A disused pub in Reading has been turned into a round-the-clock prayer centre.

The former Forbury Vaults pub in Abbey Street has been converted by a Christian group called 24/7 into the "Boiler Room".

It includes a prayer room, art studio, mixing desks and a skateboard area in the basement.

The scheme, which has cost about �60,000, will provide a meeting place for young Christians.

Peter Greig, one of the members of 24/7, said the group has a vision for "Boiler Rooms" nationwide.

He said: "There would be like Generation X monasteries where people will be praying continually through the year, ministering to the poor and producing all sorts of amazing new art and music, glorifying God."

The group said the main purpose of the "Boiler Room" is for continuous prayer, with sessions lasting weeks or months at a time.

Prayer will take place in the converted bar area of the pub.

There is also a graffiti wall where people can write prayers.