A CHURCH in Worcester hopes to bring people together, despite the isolation brought on by the coronavirus outbreak.

Woodgreen Church, in Warndon, is live-streaming all of its services after church services across the country were suspended.

Assistant pastor Duncan Cobbett said the church was looking for "distance socialising" rather than social distancing.

He said: "Dealing with a global pandemic was not something I expected to face when I became a pastor.

"Although we are no longer gathering, that does not mean the church is closed, we are using new and innovative ways to care for people and share the good news of hope.

"As leaders of the church we are trying to make sure we are in regular contact with everyone so see how they are doing and if they need help.

"We are also encouraging church members and congregants to get in touch with each other and their neighbours to see if they need help."

Woodgreen is one of several churches across the city to have suspended public services following the coronavirus outbreak. As a result, the church will be streaming its services, something Mr Cobbett said he hopes will bring the church and the community closer together.

He said: "The things people normally find comfort in: sport, socialising, wealth, are all off, so what do we turn to?

"We have chosen to have our next few online services themed around some of the psalms because they remind us of real peace and security.

"We want to make our services as accessible as possible, so our stream is having a British Sign Language interpreter."

To watch the services live, go to woodgreenchurch.co.uk/

Churches across the country announced this week they would be cancelling all public worship due to coronavirus.

Services at Worcester Cathedral were cancelled following CofE advice.