TAVISTOCK Parish Church and churches in the surrounding area are preparing this week to welcome new people through their doors.

This coming Sunday (September 27) is nationally designated as 'Back to Church' Sunday, and provides an opportunity for people to re-connect with churches with which they have lost touch.

The Rev Michael Brierley, priest-in-charge at Tavistock and Gulworthy, said: 'Many people tell me that they would like to give church a try, they just want a prompt or nudge to come along.

'Loads of people say that they have found a wedding or baptism fun, and they would like to come again. Or they say that they used to come, but would really like an excuse to get back into the stream of things again. 'Back to Church' Sunday provides just the opportunity — it can be the perfect excuse to re-connect.'

Other churches participating include Princetown, Yelverton, Walkhampton and Meavy.

Their priest-in-charge, the Rev Nick Shutt, said: 'We offer the warmest of welcomes, and the chance to consider the deep things of life. All in an hour, followed by coffee and cake.'

Warm welcomes are on offer at Tavistock Parish Church and Christ Church, Brent Tor, at 9.45am, and at Gulworthy at 11.15 am, and Mr Shutt on 01822 854653 can give details of services in other churches.

Mr Brierley said: 'The theme of the Sunday is "come as you are'.

'You don't need to dress up, you don't need to be "good", just come as you are and enjoy it.'