MORE than 700 people of all ages attended a special ecumenical service celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee at Great Malvern Priory on Sunday.

A 140-strong choir made up from members of churches in and around Malvern and conducted by Malvern College's director of music Iain Sloan sang anthems including I was glad and the final blessing May the Lord bless you and keep you.

The anthems and many of the hymns, co-ordinated by Hywel Davies of Malvern Baptist Church, and readings were part of the Queen's 1953 Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey.

The service was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Michael Brinton, who is the Queen's representative in the county, the vice-chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, Coun Don Pearce, the mayor of Malvern Coun Frances Victory and local councillors.

It had the theme of Allegiance to God, Queen and Country and prayers, readings and reflections were led by members of Churches Together in Malvern.

Eleven year-old Jake Buckle, of Somers Park Avenue (years 4 to 6 category), and Christine Bray, of Crown Lea Avenue (adult), read their winning prayers from Malvern Town Council's Jubilee Prayer Competition.

The other winner, in the up to year 3 category, was Sarah Chappell, of Werstan Close.

Priory organist Andrew Wilson concluded the service by playing William Walton's Orb and Sceptre, composed for the 1953 Coronation.

A retiring collection was taken for Famine Relief in Africa and Special Outreach by Churches Together in Malvern.

The prize winners in the Jubilee Prayer Competition were awarded their prizes by the mayor, Coun Victory, at a picnic tea preceding the service.

Their entries, and 150 others are now on display at the Town Council's Belle Vue Terrace office.