The Three Kings diverted from following the star over the weekend, as they arrived by lifeboat into Hope Cove.

Last Sunday, members from the congregations of the Salcombe Benefice including Hope Cove, Galmpton and Malborough gathered to celebrate Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

The Three Kings arrived, not riding camels, but aboard the Hope Cove Lifeboat, alongside four crew members fully kitted out incase of a shout.

Local ‘wise men’ Bruce Williams, Tom Windle and Graham Phillips were transported across the cove to meet the procession.

After the communion service at the Methodist Chapel in Inner Hope, members of the Benefice choir led the procession from the chapel towards the slipway singing We Three Kings.

The congregation followed Rev. Daniel French, Father Stephen Ball and Rev. Ruth Frampton towards the beach.

The clergy deposited crosses fashioned from the top section of discarded Christmas trees into the surf to celebrate the Baptism of Christ and to bless the sea. After, the clergy joined the Kings and crew in the Lifeboat before towing the boat back up the slipway to the awaiting crowds.

Gold and silver chocolate treats were handed out by the Three Kings before everyone returned to the Fisherman’s Reading Room where refreshments were provided.

Father Daniel French was “delighted” that the chapel was full and so many braved the “bright but very cold weather”.

This is the third year the congregation has celebrated Epiphany in this way. Father Daniel has said how this will “certainly” become “an annual event” on the nearest Sunday to January 6.

Church Warden, Clive Higgs who co-ordinated the event has thanked the Hope Cove Lifeboat crew for their attendance and the helpers at the Fisherman’s Reading Room.