A NEW church received the blessing of the Bishop of Carlisle as the community came together for a special service.

Grace Church in Roose hosted the bishop as he welcomed the modern church, which meets at the village's Conservative Club.

The licensing service saw the Reverend Robin Ham named as pioneer minister with responsibility for the church.

Rev Ham, 34, had previously spent three years training at the South Barrow group of churches.

The new church has been meeting at the Conservative Club since October.

Volunteers from Barrow Community Kitchen visited for the ceremony alongside churchgoers, councillors and Barrow mayor Bill McEwan.

Mr Ham said: "It was a brilliant day. There was a real sense of affirmation and encouragement with people coming to commend us.

"Everyone enjoyed getting a taste of what Grace Church was about.

"It was great to folk come along who weren't used to church."

The Bishop of Carlisle, Rt. Rev. James Newcome, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the way in which Grace Church has been developing, and for the fresh shoots of hope, love, and discipleship it embodies.”

Mr Ham said the church was a more modern and welcoming place of worship.

He said:"When people think of churches and the traditional building it can put people off.

"We try to make the meetings relationship-focused, about getting to know each other and grow the community.

"A lot of people come to church, sit in a pew and go home."

He added said many people who attend the church do so for the first time in a while - or ever.

"People have come here and told me it was their first time at church.

"Our message is whatever your story is, wherever you are at, you will receive a warm welcome here."

The church serves the Roose and Holbeck communities and meets at 10am every Sunday at Roose Conservative Club in Leece Lane.