CHURCHGOERS swapped the pews for the pub as they celebrated a Holy Communion service.

The Victoria in Walshaw hosted the 'Carols, Holy Communion & a Pint' event, which was organised by the Reverend Steve Openshaw, the priest from nearby Christ Church Walshaw, earlier this month.

The Bishop of Bolton, the Reverend Mark Ashcroft, was also invited to take a lead.

It comes months after Bishop Mark last visited the pub to kick off a lent course organised by the church.

The service was the latest that has arisen as a result of a flourishing partnership between the pub and Christ Church Walshaw.

Reverend Openshaw said: "This is the first time, as far as we know, that a Holy Communion service has been held in a pub in Walshaw, and it has been so much of a success that it's looking like it has the potential to become a regular event during Advent.

"The people who came along were from across the age range and belonged to various denominations and none, and we all had a great time afterwards chatting and enjoying the hospitality of Richard and Lisa and the team at the Victoria Walshaw."