WORSHIPPERS got the shock of their lives during a thunderstorm.

Ninety-two-year-old Stanley Howard said he heard a big crack of thunder during the service at St Michael and All Angels Church Howe Bridge -- which was being conducted by the vicar, the Rev Bill Baldwin.

Screamed

Mr Howard said: "A woman screamed when we heard this almighty clap of thunder, but the vicar kept going on with his service. We all thought the roof had been hit by the bolt of lightning."

But Mr Baldwin, said although a storm was brewing over the church roof -- no bolt of lightning actually struck the roof.

He said: "I made a joke about it and continued on with the service."