HUNDREDS of people turned out on November 24 for the latest Follow! Inspire! event at Hereford Cathedral.

The evenings are opportunities for people to learn about the range of different faith projects and groups across the Diocese of Hereford.

It was the most recent in a series with another held at Craven Arms Community Centre in Craven Arms.

The packed nave of the cathedral heard from Bishop Richard and other key speakers who urged everyone – clergy, parishioners and church volunteers to think of the small steps each of them could take to encourage new others to come and join congregations.

People were able to participate in pop-up workshops including discussions about teaching bible stories in schools, tackling loneliness in rural communities and making worship work for children and young people.

Children and families support officer, Lizzie Hackney told the audience that: "Some congregations, such as our Messy Church congregations are growing. We have over 40 Messy Churches with most having around 30 members.

"Most families who attend a Messy Church have had little or no contact with church in the past."

There also a chance to hear more about a Church of England campaign around Pentecost, called Thy Kingdom Come, where people are urged to pray for others to come to Jesus, with a video message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

The Follow! events are a response to the July 2016 Diocesan Synod and the adopted shared goals - which include continuing to reach 3% of the population and ensuring congregations better reflect their surrounding communities.

Organiser and parish development officer for the Diocese of Hereford, Caroline Pascoe said: "The Follow! Inspire! evenings at the cathedral and Craven Arms were an inspiration and encouragement to many across our diocese.

"The presence and prayers, the stories, imagination and faithfulness, conversation and mutual encouragement shared among the hundreds of people who came were the most amazing inspiration in ways we could never have imagined.

"It is a real blessing to take back to our parishes to inspire us on our shared journey over the months ahead."