Hampshire worshippers gather for UK's first drive-in Church service

Churches across England were allowed to re-open for services today, but such were the restrictions placed upon worshippers that one church in Hampshire decided to take matters into their own hands.

St Barnabus Church in Swanmore has held a drive-in service, thought to be the UK's first, so that the congregation was able to sing from the comfort of their cars.

Around 40 vehicles attended for a service of songs of praise in the car park of the village hall. 

Although churches were able to hold services from today, new rules mean singing is not advised in church and so they decided to hold the service outdoors instead. 

Churches are also not allowed to share the peace and communion can be bread only. 

Vicar, Rev Claire Towns led the worship with musicians from the steps of the hall. 

It is the first service of its kind in the Portsmouth diocese and thought to be the first such service in the UK. 

Earlier a small service was held in St Barnabus for just 15 households. The Victorian church can normally hold 250. 

Many places of worship have been doing online services during lockdown but people today were pleased to be back together.