A new school led youth church was launched, with 75 people attending the first service.

St Christophers C of E school in Accrington launched their youth church on Thursday, November 4.

Led by the Bishop of Burnley, the first service was attended by pupils, parents, staff, governors and members of the local clergy.

Sixth form worship co-ordinator Grace said: “We felt the whole service went really well, the presence of God was tangible.

“The fellowship in which we prayed for prior to the start of the launch was definitely achieved, with lots of community spirit both before and after the service

“We felt there was a welcoming atmosphere and the space to be free. Bishop Phillip did an amazing job at leading the service and the message he gave was very fitting for this exciting new adventure.

“We look forward to seeing all that God has in store for the young people of this church through both the Eucharist service and the youth service coming soon.”

The church has been over two years in the planning, originally conceived of as a seed-thought in the summer of 2019.

Each service will be planned and delivered entirely by the school pupils, from car park attendants to coffee servers, from preachers to worship leaders.

The establishing of this congregation is a key part of the schools plans to support ‘growing faith’ in our part of the world.

The church will meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3:45pm.