A PARISH church is throwing open its doors next week to give residents the chance to have their say on its future.

In an unprecedented move, the Parochial Church Council of St Mary's, in Thirsk, has written to present and past church members, and many community and business leaders, inviting them to a buffet supper next Thursday, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The Reverend Richard Rowling, who was appointed team rector a year ago, has organised the meeting to explore how the church can best serve the town, and how the church building can be a greater asset to more people.

Church members are hoping that recent repairs to the 15th Century building will allow it to play a key role in the town it was built to serve.

Mr Rowling said: "St Mary's is committed to serving Thirsk in the future, as it has in the past, and I hope as many people as possible will accept this invitation to supper to help us clarify how that will be done.

"We pray constantly for Thirsk - we need to listen to the town as well."