ON a recent warm sunny day, two-year-old Penelope was baptised into the church family in the River Ottery on her family farm in North Petherwin.

Welcoming the congregation, family and friends of Penelope to the Church of St Paternus there was good hearted laughter as an attendee quipped, “It’s a good deal warmer out here than in the church”.

Church warden Helen Uglow was among those who marked Penelope with the sign of the cross in preparation for her baptism and welcome to the church.

A spokesperson said: “Penelope so much enjoyed the river water as Rev Nicki Farr poured it over her, that she took the shell into her own hands and continued the process. Unfortunately, in spite of using the remains of a box of matches, the baptismal candle failed to light in the river breeze. Carried back up the hill to the farmhouse, it was lit instead in the darkened dining room and placed upon the mantle piece with a closing prayer.

“Those present clearly enjoyed the occasion. Even the weather was perfect, with the morning heavy downpour followed by sunshine and warmth.”