Town's first Pride event to be held in church

It is hoped that the service for Pride at St Andrew's Church will become an annual event

A Shifnal church will hold the town's first ever Pride event at the end of June.

St Andrew's church will hold a service in celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, as part of Pride month.

It is hoped that holding the event in a church will help people feel more included.

"The church isn't really commonplace to have such a service, so we're really keen to break down the barrier and the old stereotypes of that," said organiser Ian Handley.

"We've got fantastic clergy who really support it. Our Sunday congregation are really behind us on this as well. It's really reassuring," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"We're encouraging as many people to come as possible from the LGBTQ+ community, and everyone who supports the local community. We want it to be a celebration."

The service will take a similar shape to the church's usual Sunday service, but is described as more informal and relaxed.

"We know it can be a bit daunting coming into church for the first time, so we want to take that element out," said Mr Handley.

He says the church has had a big impact on his life, and it is a space in which he feels welcome and included.

"Being part of the LGBTQ+ community, I've found so much acceptance, and I don’t know why, but it took me by surprise," he said.

"I think a lot of people do feel they're not welcome in a church if they're gay, or whatever shape they take."

"It's important that we do make a visible difference to people who want to be part of the church," he added.

It is hoped that the service will become an annual event.

It takes place on Sunday 23 June at 18:00 BST.