AN ANDOVER church is hosting their Easter services with a difference this weekend.

St Mary’s Church on Marlborough Street will be taking their usual congregation online this Easter Sunday.

Churches have been shut for a number of weeks, with many places of worships deciding to go digital to carry on as close to normal as possible.

It will be in stark contrast to their service last year, where the church was packed and people spilled out for a barbecue afterwards.

The online service, kicking off at 10.30am, will consist of kids activities and music as well as the traditional Easter village.

Revd Chris Bradish, vicar of St Mary’s, said: “We’re going to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ – we’ll be together, even though we are apart. We’ll remember that there is a love stronger than death.

“We’ll claim the hope and purpose this offers us in challenging times.

“Do join us, but however you spend the day, my prayers are with you - I wish you and your families a good and peaceful Easter.

“Everyone is having to make sacrifices. But every one of those will be worth it if we manage to save the most vulnerable in our community.

“As the Queen said recently, “we will meet again” and that gives me great hope.”

Revd Bradish also had a message of thanks to the people of Andover coming together at this difficult time.

“I speak to many people around Andover on the phone every day,” he said.

“No one pretends this is easy or claims to know how events will unfold, but I am constantly inspired by stories of courage and positivity.

“People in Andover go the extra mile; be it on the frontline, as part of a community response or simply by staying at home and following the advice.

“It makes me so proud to call Andover home.”

Last month, Bishop of Winchester, The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, said: “Although public gatherings for worship will not be taking place in the immediate future, churches that are able to will make available electronic resources to help others participate in worship, whether through live-streaming or pre-recorded video/audio, or the publication of resources.”

You can join the service at stmarysandover.org.