The policy on prayers at council meetings in Plymouth needs to be clarified, according to the leader of the labour group.

A high court ruling on Friday went against Bideford Town Council and concluded that it is not lawful to have prayers as part of a council meeting.

At Plymouth City Council, prayers are not on the agenda, but are often said before the meeting starts.

Anyone not wishing to take part can remain outside.

Labour group leader on the council Tudor Evans says it needs to be made clearer that the prayers are being held before the formal business begins, as prayers are currently held at 2pm - the time the meeting is due to start at.

The city council says prayers are definitely not part of formal meetings in Plymouth because they are not included on the agenda.

Prayers are only normally said at the full council and on the selection of the Lord Mayor but council leader Vivien Pengelly says she wouldn't have an issue with holding prayers a few minutes before the official start of the meeting if that's what councillors would prefer.