THE Rector of St Alkmund's Church in Whitchurch has promised her churches will remain open for those that need them.

Usual public services will no longer go ahead at St Alkmund's, Holy Immanuel Fauls and Christ Church Tilstock though, as the churches follow the national guidelines on COVID-19.

However, Revd Judy Hunt has been asked to keep the church buildings open she is very happy to do so.

"If you do want to come in for a time to think, reflect, pray – you are welcome to do so," said Revd Hunt. "But please remember to stay at least two metres, or approximately two pews distance away from anyone else."

The ministry of the church will continue daily prayers in St Alkmund's Church at 9am led by either Revd Hunt or Jane Rylands.

The churches have a system in place for co-ordinating those needing help and those offering to provide that help and in combination with the wider church, they are offering online and printed resources for prayer and Christian nurture.

Usually those who want to book baptisms, weddings and reading of banns are asked to come to the Rector's vestry time in church on a Tuesday evening, this has now changed to a time to call Revd Judy on a Tuesday evening between 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

"Please be assured of our prayers for you all and of the practical help we hope to be able to offer," added Revd Hunt.