Hundreds of children from across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire were taken on a 'lifepath' recently, as Scripture Union, trusts and churches showed them the role that former Bucks resident, John Newton, played in the abolition of the slave trade.

The event was organised by Scripture Union in conjunction with the churches of Olney, the Bedford Schools Trust and Milton Keynes' Bridgebuilder Trust.

Children explored Newton's Christian faith through workshops, music, drama, and art, with each day concluding with a celebration presentation, where children let off balloons to signify the freedom of former slaves.

Volunteers from the Baptist Church, The Cowper and Newton Museum and the parish church acted as group leaders, running workshops and acting as stewards in activities.

Lucy Colgrove from Olney Baptist Church thought the day was a huge success: "It was really exciting to see how our history could be used to further the children's knowledge and understanding of God. Being part of the church community coming together for the event has been an encouragement too."

Scripture Union's Volunteer Events Manager, Simon Barker, was thrilled with how the day went: "Everyone had a lot of fun. It was a great opportunity for the churches of Olney and the town as a whole to come together to host an event that highlights how John Newton's faith changed him and impacted the wider society."