CHURCHES across Teignmouth, Bishopsteignton, Ashcombe, Ideford and Luton will not be closed in the wake of the coronavirus situation.

While there will be no Sunday services across the Haldon Mission Community places of worship, a member of the ministry team will be present in each location at a time when there would normally be a gathering.

The news was announced in a statement released by the group last week.

It explained: ‘Although the Church of England has asked all parish churches to suspend public worship until further notice, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York said: ‘Far from having to shut up shop, in the first instance the Church of England must face the challenge by becoming a radically different kind of church, rooted in prayer and serving others.

‘While there will be no Sunday services in the Haldon Team of churches, a member of the ministry team will be present in each of our churches at the time when there would normally be a Sunday service.

‘After all, a priest is there to pray for the community.’

Prayers will be said daily in St Michael’s, Teignmouth at midday, and once a week at all of their other churches. Full details are on the website at www.haldonteam.org.uk.

The group is also inviting people across the community to pray at those times from their own home.

A spokesman added: ‘We will be maintaining contact with our congregations.’