A BROCKMOOR church is offering a warm welcome for those who want to enjoy a chat over a cuppa.

St John's Church is the first in the borough to join the growing Places of Welcome movement, which began in Birmingham and aims to help people connect, belong and contribute to their community.

Its core values make sure that each 'place' is open at the same time every week and offers a welcome to anyone wishing to go along.

St John's will be inviting people to join them every Saturday from 10am until 12noon for a free cup of tea or coffee and a chat, as and when they need it.

The Revd Simon Archer said: "When I heard about Places of Welcome a few months ago it seemed a simple, attractive idea that we recognised could make a real difference for people in our community.

"In the short time I have been here as vicar, I have had people coming to the door asking for a cup of tea and as we've shared that cuppa it became apparent that what they wanted just as much was someone to just have a chat with."

He continued: "I have also spent time with people who have felt alone and isolated. As we talked about this at St John's, as a congregation wanting to love and help our community, we saw that Places of Welcome had real potential to help people.

"There's no agenda, just the offer of hospitality, a listening ear and friendly faces to anyone who needs that.

"Also, the volunteers are local people who can offer information to visitors who may be new to the area.

"Another of the great things about Places of Welcome is that it recognises that people will come not only wanting to receive, but also wanting to give.

"They will have different skills and the heart to help others but perhaps haven't had the outlet to do so, which this might give them."