PARISHIONERS are being invited to come together and celebrate their faith collectively at Malvern's Three Counties Showground as it hosts a religious event.

With small church congregations continuing to grow, the Diocese of Worcester is creating the `Big Little Church' at the venue's Severn Hall on Sunday, July 30.

The free event is aimed at giving everyone who worships in a small congregation the opportunity to come together and celebrate their faith.

It is set to start at 11am with a communion service led by the Bishop of Dudley, the Right Revd David Walker. Children will be able to learn how to make bread by grinding their own flour and the congregation will be treated to a number of interviews outlining stories from around the Diocese, conducted by BBC Hereford and Worcester's Mike George.

Robert Barlow, agriculture and rural life chaplain, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for those who normally worship in a very small congregation to come together with similar parishes, build friendships, share experiences and have fun.

"We can thank God for everyone who belongs to the Church and demonstrate we're all members of the same family."

The day will also include a music workshop lead by Geoff Weaver, puppet displays and a concert of hand-bell ringing. It will end at 1.30pm with a mass balloon release.