CHURCHGOERS prevented from gathering in their buildings are turning to new ways of joining in Sunday services.

With parishioners confirmed to their homes many churches are finding innovative ways of keeping their congregations together and supporting their communities. Among them is St Peter's Church, Halliwell, which, for the last two Sundays, has been holding a version of their service using the Zoom app on laptops, tablets or phones.

Vicar of St Peter's, Rev Canon Paul Hardingham is delighted with how well it has been received, with 163 families logging on to take part and a further 479 views of the Facebook live stream.

On Sunday the service, led by Mr Hardingham, featured a talk from associate minister Craig Watson, three songs played on guitar from his home by Andy White and a church family leading prayers.

"It gave a sense of 'this is us' and we are able to engage together," said Mr Hardingham.

He added that it proves that church is about people and not just buildings. "We may well be reaching people we don't normally," he said.

Like many other organisations around the country St Peter's has had to learn fast how to adapt to using digital resources and Mr Hardingham is hopeful they will remain once the coronavirus crisis is over.

"We have never been into social media in a proper way before — but we are now," he said.