Army landing craft becomes floating church

A Russian army landing craft has been converted into floating church.

The Soviet vessel has been consecrated the St Vladimir Church by the Russian Orthodox Church.

It will travel down the River Volga, holding masses to pray for peace, the Interfax news agency reported.

The church, now in Volgograd, will make its maiden voyage down the river in May next year - marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe.

Russian Orthodox Church officials say they hope the maiden voyage will draw people to the ship to pray for world peace.