Churches saved from closure after 'renewed life'
BBCTwo churches have been saved from closure, with the local diocese saying they have "renewed life" after the community fought to keep them open.
St Oswald's and St Cuthbert's in Hebburn, South Tyneside, had started to be closed by Church of England officials due to "falling congregation numbers" and a "lack of volunteers".
The decision was opposed by residents and the neighbouring St Oswald's Primary School, and a new group of people came forward to assist with running both churches.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Durham said: "As a result of this renewed life in these churches, there are currently no closure plans."
It said the volunteers had filled key positions on a newly formed church council.
GoogleThe primary school was using St Oswald's for its weekly worship, the diocese said, and congregations were "growing again" - with 37 people attending a recent service.
It also said pre-existing church members had been "passing on their knowledge and experience" to the "mostly younger" newcomers.
"They are happy to be supporting the next generation, and the diocese is happy to support the church in their continued growth," it said.
'Lovely, supportive people'
Newly appointed church warden Rebecca Richman said she attended St Oswald's Church as a child because she was a pupil at the primary school - which her own daughter now attends.
"It was something I wanted her to have," she said.
"I found a great comfort in my faith and fell in love with St Cuthbert's as well, the people inside the building are our church family - really lovely, supportive people."
When she found out the churches were set to be closed, she said she joined the other new volunteers to take on more responsibility.
Richman said it was a "surreal experience" and "emotional moment" when they found out both buildings would be kept open.
"Every week there's more people turning up, but I don't want the narrative to be we wear the right clothes and be quiet - it's not like that," she said.
"It's a very inclusive space and absolutely everybody's welcome."
