Reflections will be posted to the web each day during Lent by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

The reflections invite people to look at what God has in store for his people and reflect on his love.

Starting from Thursday, the reflections will be made available at the Archbishop's website.

Lent is traditionally a time when Christians give up chocolate, coffee or other favourites as they reflect in the run-up to Easter on the price paid by Christ.

However, the Archbishop is encouraging people to see the season positively.

"Lent gives us a time to reflect on God's love for us and to prepare the way ahead. Be encouraged to know that Lent is not about giving everything up until Easter Sunday, rather it's about being prepared to take things on," he says.

"So why not use this Lent to consider what we can do for ourselves, what we can do for our neighbours and let us grow new good habits too.

"It doesn't matter if you are a Christian or not, God hears us when we cry out to Him. Come and journey with me this Lent."

The Archbishop was in Thirsk on Wednesday morning to pray with people and collect their prayer requests.

He is inviting people to submit online prayer requests online at www.archbishopofyork.org/pages/share-a-prayer.html

All prayer requests will be prayed at the three daily services held at Bishopthorpe Chapel.