A CHURCH in Menston has become one of the few Anglican churches in the Bradford Diocese to pioneer the admission of children to communion services before they have been confirmed.

St John's Parish Church was among the parishes granted permission by the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev David Smith, to prepare pre-confirmation children for communion.

A new club for youngsters, entitled S Club 6, was set up on Sunday to organise activities in preparation for communion.

Menston vicar, the Rev David Clarke, said: "The initiation of our children and young people is both a responsibility and a tremendous privilege, and we are very blessed at St John's to have such a good team of people, whose work with the children and in worship preparation is so important and life-giving."

A number of village children have been signed up for the sessions, which will include reflection, discussion, fun and games, led by adult churchgoers.

Mr Clarke said the scheme was an exciting development for the church, which also organises a number of groups for children.