Final service is held at the United Reformed Church in Bourne

Church pews were filled for the first time in a long time as people gathered for the congregation’s last ever service.

Attendance at the United Reformed Church in Bourne has dwindled to just nine regulars, having once attracted 400 people.

The decision was made to close the church and a farewell service led by the Rev Clare Davison took place on Saturday followed by refreshments.

Around 100 people attended the final service, including former ministers and parishioners who had travelled from Wales and Surrey to be part of it.

Churchgoer Lesley Patrick said: “It’s the end of an era but also a fresh start for our worship. We had a lovely uplifting service and it was wonderful to see the church packed with so many people.

“The most important thing now is for people to keep their faith and continue to support the community.”

Most of the churchgoers will now join the congregation at Bourne Methodist Church. They attended a welcome service at their new church on Sunday.

The United Reformed Church building in Eastgate, which was established in 1846, will be sold by the synod which owns it.