A SPECIAL Blessing on the Beach will help mark a week's worth of celebrations of God's bounty for Morecambe Bay communities.

The Loaves and Fishes project aims to involve as many villages, towns, schools, businesses and organisations which have links to the Bay.

John Rodwell, of the Loaves and Fishes team, said: “This is a project about Creation and community, celebrating the gifts of God in the natural world which inspire and nourish us, and joining with our neighbours to taste how good the Lord is.

“What we hope for from this project is a better awareness of the good things that nature provides and the fragile character of the world we share with other creatures.”

The aim of the event, which runs from Saturday (June 7) to Sunday June 15, is to invite as many coastal communities and schools to host a Loaves and Fishes meal, open to people of all faiths or none.

The meals of fish and seafood will be served in schools, parish halls and in beachside picnics.

The project will reach a climax at 12pm on Pentecost Monday (June 9) with a Blessing on the Beach on Arnside promenade in Cumbria.

Against the backdrop of Morecambe Bay, bishops and other faith community leaders will gather with local people and visitors to bless newly-caught fish and freshly-baked bread.

The Rt Rev'd Robert Freeman, Bishop of Penrith, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to glory in God's goodness and bounty.

“God's provision is perfectly represented by the beauty of Morecambe Bay and the rich harvests which are taken from our seas every day.”

For more information visit http://www.blackburn.anglican.org/more_info.asp?current_id=537