Vicar organises prayers for those affected in Westminster attacks – after teens from Hitchin schools visited Parliament just days before

The vicar of St Mary’s Church is organising prayers and a candle lighting session after the Westminster terror attacks – only days after he and teenagers from Hitchin schools attended the Houses of Parliament for a debating competition.

The event, hosted by Hitchin MP Peter Lilley, took place only five days before yesterday’s attacks and saw a number of talented youngsters from Hitchin Boys’ School, Hitchin Girls’ School and The Priory School attend.

Canon Michael Roden was on the judging panel for the event – which was won by Hitchin Boys’ School.

However he was deeply moved by tragic the events of yesterday at the heart of the UK’s democracy, and wanted to offer solace to those who have been affected by the dreadful events.

He told the Comet: “We enjoy diversity of community in Hitchin and will continue to do so.

“We will all have been upset at the events yesterday in Westminster – which may be particularly poignant as, a week before, Hitchin pupils and staff attended the schools debating competition run by our MP in the Houses of Parliament.

“I, in my capacity a vicar, alongside a representative from the Comet newspaper and councillors judged the competition.

“I would like to put on simple prayers and a candle lighting session at a time to be arranged next Wednesday.”