Music and prayer marked the end of the first Oxford Jesus Festival.

The festival saw more than 300 people flock to the city to join Oxford's Modern Jesus Army contingent for a celebration of Christian love.

Three days of festivities culminated in an event at a large marquee on Oxpens field, next to the city's ice rink, on Saturday evening.

Organisers said they hoped the festival would become an annual event. Peter Taylor, pastor of the Modern Jesus Army's Oxford branch, said: "We have had a group in Oxford for about 15 years which has been growing steadily.

"Like Jesus had his disciples, we are a gang of people who do things together.

"Our whole approach at the festival was 'come and have a look - free entry, no prejudice'. We were quite happy for people to come in and even argue with us."

Members of the Modern Jesus Army came from London, Northampton and Brighton to join in prayer and listen to speeches and religious music.

They were joined by Oxford's 70-strong Jesus Army contingent, who meet in Cutteslowe.

Oxford branch member Jason Ridley, 22, said: "I have met with God in a big way. Just before I turned 17, I thought I needed to give my life to God and it has helped save my life.

"The festival has been a great way for us to show what the Modern Jesus Army is about."

Michael Huth, who at the event with wife Becki and their two children, said: "We invited a lot of people in need - including some homeless and some youngsters in need of help - so there was a colourful mix of people involved."

Optician Nic Aliwell, from East Oxford, said: "The event was deliberately aimed at the ordinary man or woman on the street. We have a modern approach to Christianity, showing people how they can relate Jesus to their everyday lives.

"A lot of people who come to us have had a troubled past, but this is about showing how the power of God can set you free to live a normal life again."