PUPPETS, sing-a-longs, drama and cake – this isn’t your regular Sunday church service.

Reverend Barry Allen, 65, is the new minister at Maldon Methodist Church, in High Street, looking to bring an alternative style of worship to the town.

Rev Allen arrived in Maldon with wife Ria last month, following a 9,000 mile journey from their home town of Gonubie on the coast of South Africa.

It was a huge overhaul for the pair, who, though never intending to end up in Maldon, have fallen in love with the place.

Rev Allen explained: “We were in England on holiday in 2015 up in Derby. We looked around and really enjoyed the country. We went back home and God said to us that this is where I want you to be. It was a sign for us.

“We knew we were going to head to England but had no idea whereabouts we would end up going. That is when we spoke to the Methodist Church here and it all fitted together.

“It is an absolutely amazing place. I am so impressed with the people that live here. They are so welcoming and generous. We were in Gonubie for the last 21 years so the move was a big change, but the people have helped us settle in.”

The Reverend brings with him a unique style of service, appealing to all ages, which proved to be the perfect fit for the Methodist Church.

He said: “We call it an alternative church. It is something completely different, which I do not think has been done in this area before.

“We want to encourage interaction between everybody no matter the age. It is not going to be a case of somebody stood at the front on their own preaching to everyone else.

“It will be us sat down, on different tables, with coffee, cakes, different bits for the children, and we will have a discussion. What do you guys want to talk about? You could say it will have a café feel to it.

“It is another sign of this church being the perfect fit for us.

“Before I arrived for my interview a lady from the church had gone away on holiday and experienced this style of worship. She encountered it and absolutely loved it, and came back telling everyone about how they need to try it.

“Then the next week I turn up for my interview and mention that exact style of service as something I like to do. It was perfect timing.”

The new style alternative services are held at Maldon Methodist Church every Sunday from 9.15am to 10am.