Seeking UFO contact - in Combe Martin

THEY believe they can help heal the world through spiritual action. They believe there is intelligent life on other planets. And they believe Jesus was from Venus.

Meet the Aetherius Society, a worldwide spiritual organisation whose members include Dave Davies, guitarist with 1960s rock band The Kinks.

On July 25, around 100 members of the group will make the annual pilgrimage to Holdstone Down, near Combe Martin on Exmoor, a place which they regard as a holy mountain after their founder said he had met Jesus while praying for peace more than 50 years previously.

This year's event will involve members chanting and saying prayers in order to access spiritual energy from the sacred site, which will be stored in a "spiritual energy battery" to be released at a later date to aid "wherever is in greatest need of healing and spiritual upliftment".

Aetherius Society spokesman Mark Bennett said although the group's ideas were subject to some scepticism, many people kept an open mind. He said: "In today's world I think people are very much of a live and let live belief."

Mr Bennett, who has a first-class degree from Cambridge University, said that Holdstone Down had become an important place for members of the Aetherius Society after its founder, Dr George King, claimed he was instructed to pray there by an extraterrestrial.

He added: "When at the Down, [Dr King] entered a higher state, praying for peace. He then saw a bright blue light, which went out over the Bristol Channel and disappeared. Then the being from Venus appeared. We believe it was Jesus."

According to the words of Dr King, "the being was dressed in a robe" and wore a jewel-studded belt. He was said to be "clean-shaven, had tanned skin and was of tall, athletic build".

Although not a Christian organisation, the Aetherius Society believes in the teachings of Jesus.

Mr Bennett said: "We believe he was a cosmic master from another planet, the same with Buddha and Krishna. What we want and work for is world peace and enlightenment, so we send out spiritual energy. The energy flows out to wherever it is needed."

This year's event will be held on July 25, beginning at midday at the top of Holdstone Down, and comes three days after the 51st anniversary Dr King was said to have been visited by Jesus.

Chanting and prayer will begin soon after, and is expected to last for around two hours.

Anyone wanting to observe or take part in the event is asked to contact the Aetherius Society in advance on 0207 736 4187.