OKEHAMPTON mayor Mike Davies became the evil Egyptian Pharaoh in the bible story of the crossing of the Red Sea, when he visited Puzzle Tree Praise last Friday.

The story was acted out by adults with a learning disability and their carers and friends, as they attended the monthly service. One acted as Moses, with others as 'Israelites' fleeing slavery in Egypt. The mayor's son, Joshua, became Pharaoh's chariot driver, and various people waved pieces of blue crepe paper to form the Red Sea.

True to the story, Moses and the Israelites got through the sea, but the Egyptians did not quite make it. Everyone enjoyed the experience.

They prayed for people in similar situations today, especially ordinary Palestinian people caught up in the troubles there.

The next Puzzle Tree Praise service is Friday July 13 at 2.30pm at All Saints Parish Church, Okehampton. This service will have an Olympic Games theme, and will be led by the Rev Stephen Cook. Everyone is welcome, whether or not they are supporting an adult with a learning disability. The service also needs more helpers for practical aspects of running the service. Contact David Muir on 01837 840867.