FAMILIES with loved ones serving in the Gulf have been invited to a cathedral service tomorrow.

A silent procession will make its way from the Parish Eucharist at Ripon Cathedral, from 9.30am, to a new shrine of Justice and Peace, in the Chapel of God the Creator, which is surrounded by the names of local units called to the Middle East.

The shrine will be used for those who wish to pray or meditate in the months to come, and printed prayer sheets are available. It will be open to the public between 8am and 6.30pm.

Tomorrow morning's service includes a Gospel reading by chaplain to the Ripon-based 38 Engineer Regiment, the Reverend William Lister, while the cathedral's Canon Michael Glanville-Smith will lead a meditation at the dedication of the shrine.

The cathedral has emphasised that the shrine is open to everyone, regardless of their views on the situation in Iraq.

"The shrine should be available for all to use - for service families who want to pray and light a candle for loved ones on active service, or anyone who simply wants to pray for peace and justice," said cathedral Canon Keith Punshon.

As well as the Ripon units, representatives planning to attend tomorrow come from Catterick Garrison, RAF Leeming, Menwith Hill, HMS Forest Moor, the Army Apprentice College in Harrogate, and the Army Air Corps base at Dishforth.