THE Mayor of High Wycombe held his civic service in a different venue this year opting for the BMW garage in Wycombe Marsh- instead of a church.

Cllr Trevor Snaith decided to hold the service on his home turf, as he is councillor for the Ryemead area.

Surrounded by cars, dignitaries and members of the public from all different faiths gathered on the top level of Sytner BMW and sang hymns and worshipped God.

Cllr Snaith said: "Suffice to say I am extremely pleased to see so many local residents and so many dignitaries have come to this event.

"I thank you for that."

The Mayor's Chaplain, Robin Caine, welcomed about 150 people to the Mayoral service, which is an annual event and usually held at All Saints Church.

He said: "We are part of an amazing miracle. This has never ever happened before and I have never ever been part of anything like this.

"When it was suggested we wondered if we could pull it off. We didn't, but God did.

"Last night I was at a Burns' evening and his name was mentioned many times.

"Today we will mention the name of Jesus- that is what we are here for."

The gathering, which included the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, sang three hymns including Amazing Grace, Be Thou By Vision and How Great Thou Art.

There were readings by the Mayor, Paul Turner from the Elim Church and Paul Willis from St Anne's Church.

Sarah Mordaunt, who is the founder director of the One Can Trust, gave a talk about the work the charity do, which is one of the Mayor's chosen charities this year.

She encouraged people to get more involved in their community and to help those who need it.

She said: "As a widow myself, bringing up two children alone in modern Britain- it can be very tough.

"I also know Jesus and his promise to look after the widows and fatherless- that is why God gave me One Can Trust."

One Can Trust is a charity that facilitates community based projects, including providing free food parcels for those in need.

It is opening up a food bank in Wycombe Marsh. Liz Hollman from The Church of Shalom then spoke about her love for Jesus.

The Mayor of Marlow, Suzanne Brown, attended. She said: "It is different and it is inclusive of all faiths.

"I think that is what it is all about."

Wycombe Marsh resident Pat Randall, who attends the Union Baptist Church, said: "I think it is a very good idea. People that won't go to church are sometimes fearful to go to one.

"Holding it here really encourages people to come."

Sandra King and Christine Morris, who attend St Anne's Church, said they thought the change of venue was a great idea.

Mrs King said: "It is really nice to see other people from different churches comes together today."