MASS is back with a difference as congregations return to churches in Herefordshire.

Hereford’s Saint Francis Xavier Church is once again celebrating public Mass, the first Catholic church in the county to do so. Parish priest Father Michael Evans and a team of parishioners have been busy putting new operating procedures in place in time to celebrate Mass as soon as it was legally possible to do so.

But, the Broad Street-based church said, the Mass is always the Mass, despite some health and safety measures which have been put into place.

Under the new rules, the church opens for Mass 30 minutes before the service starts, with stewards taking the names and phone numbers of those attending for track and trace purposes.

Others direct the congregation to seats to maintain two metre social distancing strictures, with every alternate pew out of use to aid distancing.

Although singing is not allowed, Father Michael said: "We’re singing for joy in our hearts. It’s wonderful that we are able to celebrate Mass together again and we are very thankful.

"Many of us were frightened and the dire warnings about what might happen unnerved us all, but we’re back by the grace of God. Let’s hope we never have to endure another lockdown. Do not be afraid. Perfect love casts out fear."

The church is celebrating three Masses at the weekend and one at Wednesday lunchtime. while live online broadcasts will also continue.