THE Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Dr Rowan Williams, declared the Christian faith "alive and well" in the Westcountry, after an open air service attracted thousands of worshipers.

Dr Williams said he was "encouraged" by the throngs of people of all ages who turned out to a range of activities at Exeter Cathedral over the weekend, in a grand finale to a series of events to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the Diocese of Exeter.

The Archbishop preached to a congregation of almost 5,000 on Saturday morning, as the sun beamed down. Special events were organised for children and young people, as well as a variety of seminars. In the evening, a Songs of Praise event was held on Cathedral Green.

The morning's service was a fine balance of traditional and modern, with a resounding message of unity. Repeatedly, other faiths and nationalities were welcomed and embraced, such as in a gospel acclamation which included a chorus in a Zimbabwean language. The message of "love thy neighbour" resonated throughout the proceedings, both in domestic and international terms.

Three impressive giant puppets of historic figures relating to the cathedral played out a series of dramas, backed by the cathedral choir, relaying the messages of the church. Stalls celebrated agriculture and local produce, as well as activities helping those in need.

Speaking after the proceedings, Dr Williams told the Western Morning News: "It has been joyous, exciting and very encouraging."

Around 1,000 young people turned out on Friday night, to hear Christian bands playing in the cathedral, and to put their questions to the Archbishop. "We had a very good discussion, and coupled the huge crowds at the service, we are really seeing that the Christian faith is alive and well in Devon," he said.

He said the event was proof that the church was becoming more accessible. "We are finding what makes sense to people. This morning's service was quite traditional in some ways. It was a combination of old and new."

In his sermon, the Archbishop talked of "selfless sacrifice" as the key to glory. Speaking afterwards, he encouraged Christians to use their faith as a "campaign for better human beings". He said: "We need to get back to a sense of humanity that's not all about profit and competition. There are an awful lot of people in our society who seem to think those are the main things in life."

The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, said all his high expectations of the event had been exceeded. "Everything about it has been wonderful." He said Devon was one of the few counties to see a slow growth in its congregations over the past four years. "We want to see a far greater growth, but over the past three months, as I have travelled around the diocese as part of the celebrations, I have found Christians in very good heart.

"Those who are writing the obituary of the Church are doing so prematurely."

Canon Missioner Mark Rylands is part of the team who have worked on organising the event for a year-and-a-half. He said it was the biggest Christian gathering in the diocese for at least two decades.

Phyllis Voisey, 96, from Buckfastleigh, embraced the modern elements of the service. She said: "We're used to that in our church. It's important to stay with the times."