THERE'S something very homely about Sunday services in the North Pennines village of Rookhope.

Because, ever since Christmas Eve, residents have been unable to worship in the village church, either because of bad weather or the cost of turning on an expensive heating system.

Instead, the church has been "Jill's front room" - or, to be more precise, a terraced house in Front Street, in the heart of Weardale.

Church treasurer Terry Pearson and his wife, Jill, decided to open up their home for Sunday worship when they found that it was impossible for church-goers to struggle up the steep hill to St John the Evangelist Church in freezing conditions.

However, what started as a temporary measure during the festive period has continued until now, although villagers were hoping that yesterday's service at the Pearsons' home would be the last this winter.

"The only real problem that we have had to cope with during the months has been over seating," said Mrs Pearson.

"One Sunday 13 people turned up for the service - we usually have about ten."

Mrs Pearson also has to leave her front room door open during the services, as she has to pop across the hall to the dining room to play the piano for hymns.

"After services, we all sit around for a good natter before going home," she said.

Clergy and lay preachers in upper Weardale have been taking turns at conducting the services.

Yesterday, it was the turn of Methodist minister, the Reverend Les Hann.

He said: "In a way, we have been turning back the pages of church history.

"Two hundred years ago, as Methodism was introduced to areas like this, what were called cottage meetings were held in folks' homes.

"During my time in the ministry, I can only recall Sunday services being held in a private house once.

"That was in the Shetlands, and it was because the lady who owned the house was too ill to leave it, so the congregation came to her."

Betty Bowman, who has attended church for more than 40 years, said: "The church is badly in need of a new and more cost-effective heating system.

"Repairs are also needed to the vestry roof.

"As a close-knit community, we have found this a very homely way of carrying on with our Sunday worship.