CHURCHES in the North-East are uniting to form an ecumenical body, North-East Christian Churches Together (NECCT).

It will be launched at a service in Newcastle University's King's Hall, next Sunday.

The organisation, which brings together all the major denominations, and several others with smaller congregations, aims to use the collective resources of the churches for the community.

Clive Price, ecumenical officer for the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, said: "Churches are often in the forefront of enabling new developments which enhance and build up local communities. One of the key aims of NECCT is to support this activity."