A SENIOR Royal Navy chaplain led prayers in the heart of Hampshire government today to “guide the minds” of four million Scots voting in the independence referendum.

Reverend Roland Wort, who was leading the customary prayer at a full county council meeting in Winchester, said the vote's outcome would affect Hampshire as well.

A Union Flag was also hung up by county leader Cllr Roy Perry as a show of support for the United Kingdom.

It comes as millions of Scots are taking to the polls today to cast their vote in the historic referendum.

Rev Wort, who was visiting from HMS Collingwood, said:  “We remember the people of Scotland today and pray for wisdom, discernment and tolerance as they vote in the referendum.

“We pray for those who will celebrate and for those who will be disappointed.

“Whatever the decision we pray there will be peace and reconciliation afterwards and a desire to bring charity and goodwill with leaders promoting the common good and serving with compassion. Amen.”

Addressing the county chamber, county leader Cllr Perry said: “Today is indeed a very momentous day for our nation as the people currently resident in Scotland vote to decide whether they remain part of the United Kingdom, a union that has survived since 1707 and the reign of Queen Anne.

“I chose my words carefully because there are a great many Scots, including people in the chamber today, who are Scottish born and bred, who unfortunately have no vote.

“After consulting political group leaders on the county council I authorized we flew the Union Flag daily for the past two weeks and is indeed in the chamber today, which I entirely welcome.

“There was no objection from you Mr Chairman who grew up in Scotland, born to a Scottish mother or from our vice chairman who is also Scottish born and bred, nor did I get any comment or opposition from the chief executive or the director of resources.

“The Union Flag contains the crosses of St Andrew, St George and St Patrick and I think and I hope I speak for all when I say whatever our political differences we all value the United Kingdom and the presence of Scotland in that union.

“And the great contribution made by Scots people to the United Kingdom over the last 300 years.”