BBC to broadcast a weekend of prayers

The BBC is to broadcast a series of programmes from Dunblane this weekend.

The Mothering Sunday Songs of Praise will be replaced by a memorial programme and other radio and television slots will be devoted to reflection on the harrowing events of the past week.

BBC Head of Religious Broadcasting Ernest Rea said: "The BBC's Religious Broadcasting Department has a responsibility to the nation to share in the grief of the people of Dunblane and express the prayers of people both in this country and all over the world."

The morning service at Dunblane Cathedral will be broadcast live at 10.25am. The Songs of Praise replacement, called Dunblane - A Community Mourns, will contain extracts from the earlier service along with "meditations, reflections and specially recorded music".

Other schedule alterations include the Sunday Morning Service on Radio 4 which will come live from the Scottish Churches House in Dunblane at 9.30am.

ITV's Sunday schedule hasnot been specially revised.