Visitors to Liverpool Cathedral will be offered a new way in which to mark the start of Lent this year.

On Ash Wednesday, cathedral clergy will be giving out ashes during the usual Ash Wednesday services but also be on hand from 10am to 3:30pm to dispense the ancient tradition.

The aim behind 'Ashes to Go' is to allow as many people as possible to participate in the start of Lent.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Christian season of repentance and reflection in the run-up to Easter and receiving a cross of ashes on the forehead is a tradition going back centuries.

The cross of ashes is a reminder of our failings as humans and the need to seek God's forgiveness.

Visitors to the cathedral who are not able to make the usual service times will have the additional opportunity to take a moment to pause and reflect.

Canon Paul Rattigan, Liverpool Cathedral's Canon for Discipleship said:"Ashes to Go provides the opportunity for people to take part in the Lent tradition even if they can't get to a service.

"You can call in to the cathedral in your lunch hour or whenever you can during the day.

"We welcome hundreds of people each day, from close to home and around the world. Receiving ashes is one way in which Christians from around the world can be united – it is an open declaration that they are participating in a period of reflection and contemplation.

"We also hope that coming to the cathedral on Ash Wednesday, even just for a few minutes, can help inject some peace into the usual busy working day."