AN Anglican church has opened its doors to the Lutheran Church for services.

St Peter's Church, in Harrogate town centre, is hosting alternate monthly communion services, attended by 20 Lutherans, most of them families with American links.

The vicar of St Peter's, Canon Tony Shepherd, said: "I believe we are a better church when we are diverse and that uniformity does bring an exclusiveness which, to my mind, weakens our mission rather than strengthens it."

Canon Shepherd, who attended the opening Lutheran service, said: "It was very similar to ours, perhaps being pitched about half way between our old prayer book and our new service.

"I hope it is encouraging that we try to reflect different styles of worship so that God is able to reach out to those whom he chooses."