CHURCH services at St Oswald's church in Malpas have resumed after the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Like all other places of worship, St Oswald's in Church Street closed in March in line with government measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

But churches have once again been given permission to reopen, something church rector Canon Ian Davenport says he is delighted to do.

"I am delighted that we are now able to open St Oswald’s in Malpas for worship again," he said. "There will be the usual 10am Holy Communion service from this coming Wednesday, July 15.

"Sadly there can be no 8am Holy Communion service on Sundays at this time due to the need to clean the building before the 11am service, but we will keep this under review as I know that the quiet 8am service is much loved and we would want to see it come back again when possible.

"I believe that we can worship together again but in a new way now and so I join with the psalmist of long ago by saying with joy 'I was glad when they said unto me we will go into the house of the Lord!'

"Both Revd Helen and myself, Beverley, Angela and the team look forward to seeing you all and our worshipping together."