A BISHOP brought some spirit to a Bury pub last weekend as he kicked off a lent course.

The Bishop of Bolton, the Reverend Mark Ashcroft, visited the Victoria pub in Walshaw on Saturday, February 17 to lead the first day of the event.

But rather than being a new addition to the pub's menu, it is instead a bible study course which has arisen as a result of a flourishing partnership between the pub and neighbouring Christ Church Walshaw.

The five-week course, 'His story Our story', will explore Mark's Gospel in the lead up Easter.

Every Saturday, the pub will play host to a stand alone study session which is open to the public to attend, as well as regular churchgoers.

The Reverend Steve Openshaw, of Christ Church Walshaw, said: "We are thrilled to have this course for our community at the Victoria Walshaw. The relaxed and informal venue is exactly the right place for the church to connect with our community.

"Richard and the team are absolutely committed to working in partnership with the church to developing a sense of community in Walshaw, and they have looked after us so well by providing brilliant refreshments."

'His story Our story' is open to anyone to join in and starts at 10am each Saturday during lent at the Victoria, in Hall Street.

Other events will also be held at St Francis House, in Hebburn Drive, Brandlesholme from 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings.

At the end of the five weeks there will be a full ‘out loud’ reading of Mark’s Gospel at St James’ Church, in Walshaw Road, on Saturday, March 24 from 11am–1pm.

For more information call Rev Steve Openshaw 0161 797 5121