A CHURCH is opening today to offer people spiritual time-out from their busy lives.

St Paul's Church, in Spennymoor, County Durham, hopes to reach the wider community by opening for informal sessions during the week.

The Reverend Lynda Gough, vicar of St Paul's , said: "By opening the church during the week, we are creating an opportunity to meet with the local community outside our regular weekly services."

Volunteers will be present for anyone who would like to talk to someone and light refreshments will be available.

The church will be open every Wednesday from 10.30am to 1pm