Full immersion baptisms

Members of the Mount Zion Spiritual Baptist Church, many dressed head to toe in white, drew a small crowd of spectators as they processed across the promenade and onto the beach.

Three members including Bishop McGuilivery then waited in the water as a shepherd and a pilgrim waded out to join them.

The remaining church members waited on the beach with sheets and towels, singing songs of joy as the ceremonies took place.

One of the Baptists said they were just glad it was not raining. The rough sea was not a problem but welcomed as the water needed to be moving to wash the sin away.

The London-based group hold the baptism event every year at a different seaside venue.

The coach bringing them to the town was late arriving so the sea baptism was nearly two hours later than advertised.

Afterwards they returned to the Mermaid for a celebration feast.