A GREENOCK church will finally open its doors to its congregation tomorrow morning for the first time in six months.

Minister Reverend Francis Murphy is delighted to welcome parishioners back to the Mount Kirk in Dempster Street following the coronavirus shutdown.

Worship will begin at 10.30am, with a whole host of safety measures put in place to allow people to gather safely.

Mr Murphy said congregation members had been busy behind the scenes with preparations to allow the church to re-open for a socially distanced service.

He told the Telegraph: "The Covid-19 restrictions meant that we have not been able to meet since mid-March.

"It has taken some time to get our building ready and receive approval to re-open.

"The service will be for about 30 minutes, but it will be a bit different from what most people are used to.

"Unfortunately, we are not allowed to sing during worship services at the moment and our capacity is limited."

Mount Kirk is the latest local church to get back in operation as in-person religious services return slowly but surely.

There are 30 spaces available but these must be pre-booked.

Mr Murphy says that for people who are shielding or self-isolating, and who can't attend as a result, services will be continuing online.

They will be screened on Facebook, YouTube and on a telephone listening service available on 600879.

For those attending tomorrow's church service, face masks must be worn and the track and trace scheme will be in operation, meaning that people's details will be taken.

The congregation at Greenock East Church is still not able to resume services but Mr Murphy is continuing to provide online worship for them for the time being.

*Places should be pre-booked by 9pm tonight by calling 722338 or booking a place online at bit.ly/mountkirk