FROM prayer couches to flower festivals, a four-day celebration of faith across Cumbria attracted an estimated 25,000 people.

Moving Mountains, a busy programme of 500 events organised by local congregations, was launched by the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev John Sentamu.

Describing the county's biggest ever mission project as "fantabulous", the archbishop said: "It has been really encouraging with lots of opportunities and many people making a response to God."

The Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, added: "Right across the county there has been a wonderful buzz with people saying how excited they have been."

Thirty-three senior church leaders and their teams from across the country took part, and more than 90 schools were involved. Bible stories were acted out at Coniston CE Primary School and Penny Bridge CE Academy; Shap Endowed CE Primary School hosted children's crafts; and questions were posed to retired Bishop of Lancaster Geoff Pearson and wife Jean at Storth CE Primary School. Among the answers sought by youngsters were: Do you have a day off? Do you dance? Is it hard being a bishop? and Do you have a day off?

Hugs, prayers and free hyacinths for Mothering Sunday were shared in Kendal town centre, alongside children's face painting and music from the Salvation Army band.

At Kendal Rugby Club, former power-lifting champion Ian McDowell displayed his prowess and shared stories from his violent past, before he turned to God and set up Tough Talk, which preaches in prisons.

Former British middle-weight champion boxer Andy Flute also spoke of his struggle with alcoholism and violence before finding faith. Kendalians were challenged to try power-lifting, and Jeff Hicks managed 22 60kg reps on the bench press challenge. The Tough Talk team were invited to Kendal by Kendal Mission Community.

Afternoon tea was served at Sedbergh's Cornerstone Church, where tables groaned beneath the weight of jam-and-cream scones, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes.

In Grange-over-Sands, youth group Ignite braved rain to clear a slippery path of litter and leaf mould for elderly residents, between Thornfield Road and the promenade in Grange. Chris Mason, youth group leader, said young members had wanted to do something practical to serve their community as part of Moving Mountains.

Among many other events across Cumbria were:

- 'sofa talk' in Kirkby Lonsdale

- a prayer couch at Oxenholme railway station

- a floral festival at St Mary's Church, Windermere

- a photo exhibition at Carver URC, Windermere

- a Q&A with the Archbishop of York at St Mary's Church, Ambleside

- a family walk from Ulverston Parish Church and Messy Church at Ulverston Methodist Church

- a celebration of marriage at Long Marton church

- a 'big soup' event at Arnside WI Hall for the churches of Kent Estuary

- and Cumbria’s biggest ever Messy Church at Rheged, attended by more than 1,500 adults and children.