WORSHIPPERS from across the religious divide are inviting people to pray for peace and to attend silent vigils over the coming weeks.

The series of gatherings are taking place throughout the district culminating in a silent vigil outside Kidderminster Town Hall organised by all churches in the town.

It will be held on Saturday April 5 at 12.30pm.

One of the organisers, Canon Jim Samuel, of St Mary's in Kidderminster, said: "We will be praying for a speedy end to the hostilities with the minimum injury or loss of life on all sides leading to a just and lasting peace."

Bewdley Friends, or Quakers, continue to meet every Tuesday outside HSBC bank on Load Street at 7pm for a silent vigil. The tradition began after the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 and has seen increasing numbers since the conflict in Iraq began.

A Friends spokeswoman said it was also forming an anti-war group and was considering holding a symbolic Women in Black vigil.

The vigils in Bewdley and Kidderminster are open to people of any or no denomination.

Prayers will be said tonight and tomorrow evening as part of nightly meetings for those who wish to pray for peace at St Chad's Church, Comberton, Kidderminster.

Worshippers are invited to attend the prayers from 5.30pm until 6pm.