Ash Wednesday — tomorrow — will be marked by teams from the Anglican Church offering prayer and ashes to the public around Hamilton.

Christians traditionally mark their foreheads with a cross of ashes as a sign of penitence on the first day of Lent.

“We’re offering ashes on the streets of Hamilton because that reminder of need, humility and healing shouldn’t be confined to a church building,” said Bishop Nick Dill.

“We probably need it more when we are in the middle of our daily business. The ashes we receive here are to remind us throughout the day of our need for God, and of God’s call to us.”

From 7.30am tomorrow until 9am, and from 12.45pm to 2pm, Bishop Dill will be at the Hamilton Ferry Terminal, while Rev Don Moore and Canon Normal Lynas will greet the public outside the Church Street MarketPlace and at the Hamilton Bus Terminal.

Special Lent services will also be held at the Anglican Cathedral.