A BAPTISM of fire has amazed scores of families celebrating christenings in Grimsby.

Father Edward Martin is a real fire and brimstone preacher, giving demonstrations of fire-eating to his newly-enlightened congregations at St Giles' Church in Scartho.

And any concerned churchgoers need look no further than the New Testament, which proclaims "One who is more powerful than I will baptise with the Holy Ghost and fire."

The 33-year-old preacher is keen for his skill at fire-eating to become an attraction for more parishioners, in a bid to breathe new life into the church. He said: "My aim is to inform people of God's Holy Spirit. Fire is a traditional symbol of his spirit."

Fire-eating preacher Father Edward Martin, of St Giles’ Church, Scartho.

Training in the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese, he joined a number of curates on a circus skills weekend. He also learned rope tricks.

His fire-eating act is reserved for baptisms at his church.

Married to Lesley and with two children, he welcomes visitors to his church each Sunday and he conducts a special family service from 10am on the first Sunday of each month.

Read more in today's Grimsby Telegraph.