ST James' Church, Southbroom, Devizes is launching a new pattern of services which will include informal worship designed to encourage a wider range of people to attend the church.

Members of the church's music group will play instruments including keyboard and guitar at the informal all-age service.

The Rev Chris Tebbutt, vicar of St James', said the regular informal worship service would have a more contemporary feel.

But he stressed the traditional parish church character would be retained.

Mr Tebbutt said: "This isn't new. We have had informal services every other week but after much reflection we have felt that the time has come to establish a regular pattern so that people know where they are and to make St James' more distinctive within the wide range of churches within the town.

"It isn't an age thing, it's really about how people are best inspired to worship God. I fully expect people to cross over between the two services and even to come to both."

The church is replacing its 10.30am mixture of services with a 9.30am traditional Holy Communion service, with choral Mattins on the fourth Sunday, and an 11.15am informal worship service.

There will be coffee at 10.45am where it is hoped that the two congregations will meet.

The 11.15am service is also aimed at people moving into eastern area of the town, especially as children will be catered for each week.