A CHURCH congregation is celebrating the ton up, with its 100th Shoppers’ Service, on Saturday (May 7).

The “user-friendly” half-hour Saturday services were introduced at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, in Coxhoe, near Durham, in February 2008, several months after the completion of the refurbishment of its main worship area.

Rebuilding work was carried out on the site of the 1872 original, in Church Street, following a successful fundraising campaign.

It was seen as the latest chapter in the story of Methodism in Coxhoe, which has been a feature of life in the village for 170-years.

Several months after the church reopening, the Saturday services were introduced.

Staged on the first Saturday of each month, they are aimed at people who may find the usual Sunday services difficult to fit into their weekend schedule.

Church steward Jack Gilmore, who organises the services, said: “We’ve held these informal services for the last eight years or so, and have been delighted by the response to them.

“So much so, that we’ve booked our guest speakers right through until the end of this year.

“They’re called ‘Shoppers’ Services’ simply because the majority of people out and about on the main street of Coxhoe on Saturday mornings are visiting local shops.

“But, of course, the services are open to all, whether or not they’re shopping.

“Their informality and brevity makes them especially attractive to any who aren’t regular church-goers.”

The guest speaker for Saturday’s 100th service, starting at 10am, will be popular lay preacher Peter Laidler, from Peterlee.