Community members of Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, have come together at West End Methodist Church to pray for the safe return of missing teenager Jay Slater.

During the regular Sunday service, prayers were offered for Jay's safety and his prompt return home, as well as for the peace and strength of his family and friends.

Jay has been untraceable since last Monday after he failed to catch a bus back from the NRG music festival on the island, which he attended with two friends.

Rev Matt Smith spoke about the church's role in supporting the community during this difficult time. He told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We are there for the community whenever they need us, and this week has been one of those times when the community did need us.

"We have also shared our support for the family, as they are going through a horrible time."

The town has rallied around them, symbolically decorating Oswaldtwistle with blue ribbons as a show of support while family and friends search abroad.

Local residents and long-time community members, like retired local butcher Ted Feathers, shared their concerns for Jay with the outlet.

He said: “I may have served them over the years. I retired some years ago.

“The service inside was very low-key, but everybody was thinking about the poor lad.

“It has been a worrying week for everyone here.”

Debbie Duncan, Jay's mother, shared her personal struggle with the situation, saying she has "not slept" and is "exhausted" with worry.

Jay's father, Warren Slater, held onto hope that someone might have assisted Jay in finding his way back from his unintended journey.

Zak Slater, Jay’s brother, voiced the family’s uncertainty and longing for Jay’s safe return home.

"We just want him to come home safe," he said.