|TOP|A local church under-fives programme is playing its part in changing the face of culture in the local community.

The children’s programme in the Kelbrook and Earby area is part of a new Church initiative called “Fresh Expression” which aims to promote the role of the church in community culture.

The Rev. Tracy Rishton, of St Mary's Church, Kelbrook, said: "Nationally the Church of England is looking at itself more and more, looking into providing something beneficial to people that they will want to attend, rather than waiting for people to come back to the church.

She explained that “a service that suits their needs” would help encourage parents with young children back into church life.

|QUOTE|A special service just for parents and their young children, to be celebrated on a forthcoming BBC Radio Four programme, is now held every Tuesday morning at the Kelbrook Village Hall with the aim of providing an alternative religious learning environment for parents together with their children.

"The session basically comprises of two parts. The first half an hour comprises of free play in zones called the active zone, the colouring zone, the Bible zone and the story zone,” explained Rev. Rishton.

"We then break, have a drink and a biscuit, and then watch a Bible story for 15 minutes and then we have a singing session with songs suitable for the age group.

|AD|"It's very popular with the children and they always enjoy having a sing-a-long and a dance at the end,” she said.

Fresh Expressions in Kelbrook and Earby will feature on a forthcoming Radio Four programme on which the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will talk on the nationwide initiative. Other programmes run by Fresh Expression groups across the country will also feature on the programme due to air in March.

"Fresh Expressions is open to everyone. You don't have to go to church, and if it's the school holidays it doesn't matter if your children are over the age of five as everyone is welcome,” said Rev. Rishton.

"This initiative is still in its early stages, but basically 70% of people asked say they are Christian and we want to reach out to them and offer them the opportunity to bring their children along and enjoy worship.”