A 70-day prayer relay ended its journey in Westminster last night.

The prayer relay accompanied the Olympic Torch to 70 towns and cities as it criss-crossed the nation.

In each location, church leaders exchanged a prayer baton containing prayers and a specially written prayer of blessing.

The final stop was the Emmanuel Centre, a stone’s throw away from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

Representatives of local churches and London-based Christian organisations turned out for the event.

They took part in a short prayer session hosted by Christian groups serving in Parliament.

Jane Holloway, chair of More Than Gold’s Prayer Team sad: “The past 70 days have truly been historic as we have never seen such a season of praise and prayer that has united Christians across the whole of the British Isles.

“This Prayer Relay has celebrated both the diversity and unity of the Church. Prayers have been written in different styles, handed over in a variety of locations and in each town or city Christians have committed to praying together. We believe God wants to bless this nation in this significant year.”