PEEBLES will welcome in Advent with prayer this weekend.

Following on from successful events in previous years the congregation of St Andrew’s Leckie Church is holding another 24-hour prayerathon.

From 6pm this (Friday) evening the Church will be transformed into a huge prayer room.

Everyone is welcome to drop in during the 24-hour event for some quiet prayer and reflection or take part in any of the organised sessions.

Carrie Duthie from St Andrew's Leckie Church said: "Given that Advent begins this weekend we are taking that as our theme.

"Advent is a time of waiting, of anticipation and of preparation – the event aims to explore these as well as providing a quiet space simply to reflect.

"All are welcome, regardless of whether you pray regularly or have never prayed before.

"There will always be someone on hand to talk with if you like – just approach a steward.

"Take some time this weekend to be still and to listen.

"Come to explore, to reflect or to pray. Come in expectation. Step into the season of Advent intentionally."

During the 24 hours there will be several led sessions.

The first - the Advent Garden - begins at 6.30pm.

The all-age event looks to the coming of Jesus, Light of the World.

Carrie explained: "There will be opportunity to receive light for ourselves and to watch as it spreads, a very tangible demonstration of light in the darkness.

"All are warmly invited to join us for the Advent Garden experience beginning in the church hall at 6.30pm.

"There will be warm mulled juice and mince pies afterwards."

Other led sessions over the 24 hours include listening prayer from 9pm to 10pm, an hour with activities aimed at children from 11am to 12 noon on Saturday and a prayer walk leaving from the church at 2pm.

There will also be the opportunity to receive healing prayer from trained volunteers between 1pm and 2pm on Saturday.

But the church will remain open throughout the 24 hours for anyone to just pop in.