New home joy for congregation

Banner and flag-waving churchgoers took to the streets of Telford to celebrate their move to a new home.

Members of the congregation of Madeley Baptist Church, led by the Wellington Town Brass Band and the church's Boys' Brigade, formed a procession through Madeley yesterday, to the John Randall School in Queen Street where they will make their new home.

The move from the Aenon Chapel in High Street, which has taken place during the church's 150th anniversary year, has been prompted due a fast-growing congregation - bucking the trend of declining church attendances nationally.

Church leaders said the number of regular worshippers had doubled in recent years.

Those enjoying the celebration included Telford's Lord Grocott, who has enjoyed a long association with the church.

He reopened the church's former home, the Aenon Chapel, after its millennium refurbishment.

Marchers braved unseasonal temperatures and wintry showers as the procession took to the streets.