ST Peter's Church in Lamerton invited young families along recently, to take part in its first ever 'Messy Church'.

This once a month time of creativity, worship and fun aimed at young families is based on a ground-breaking idea which has now spread to thousands of churches all over the UK and overseas.

Messy Church is for families who want to meet Jesus and belong to a local church in a fun and relaxed setting.

The Rev Andy Atkins, vicar of the Milton Abbot benefice, said: 'It's a more relaxed time where children and adults have fun together, making crafts, singing upbeat songs, having a cuppa and enjoying each other's company in a friendly atmosphere.'

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles join with their children in art, craft, music and storytelling to bring alive the bible stories. They finish their time together in fellowship by sharing a meal together.

Th launch event was attended by more than 30 children with their parents who had great fun with paper and glue, with plastic bottles and stickers, planting seeds and making bird feeders.

There were lots of games to play, music to sing and the session was finished with a super supper.

Organisers thanked the team of enthusiastic volunteers without whom the event would not have been possible.

They were supported by children and helpers from all over the benefice making it a whole community event and organisers are looking forward to meeting again next month.

The next Messy Church events are on Friday, June 5 and Friday, July 3 at 3.30pm.

You do not have to be a regular church attender, or even have set foot in a church before.

For more information contact the Rev Andy Atkins on [email protected]">[email protected]