THIS year is a very special one in the history of a Tavistock church.

Taistock United Reformed Church has just celebrated 350 years' service in Tavistock and tomorrow (Friday), it will be 40 years since Congregationalists and Presbyterians united to form the URC.

Although numbers attending are small, the church is a lively, welcoming group of people who are open to new ideas and challenges.

The Rev Roger Cornish said: 'On most Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, the church meets in its building to discuss some aspect of the faith and how it effects daily living.

'Questioning is encouraged. It is up to each individual to live with questions and to find answers that are satisfactory to them.

'All people are welcome to join in the discussion whether church goers or not.'

Mr Cornish said from its birth, the church had stood up for freedom of belief and conscience — which had sometimes got it into trouble.

He added: 'Although the ancient creeds of the church are acknowledged, members are free to question them.

'The Bible remains central to the church's teaching and is taken very seriously but people are encouraged to think and decide for themselves.

'The URC congregation is on a journey, continually re-evaluating its beliefs and practices in the light of new discoveries.'

For more information about Tavistock URC, call 01822 614613.