A SOUTH AFRICAN couple have set up church in a traditional English pub.

Hendrik Hattingh and his wife, Leonie, hold services each Sunday beside regulars at The Plucknett in Yeovil, Somerset, which have attracted up to 30 people.

The couple are originally from Randburg, Gauteng, and left for the UK 10 years ago .

They initially set up a branch of the Vineyard Church movement in a house but it wasn't big enough so they searched for a new venue.

Head pastor Hendrik, 43, who works in IT, said: "By holding our services in the pub, we're breaking down barriers between the church and people who don't necessarily think of themselves as religious.

"They can come along, observe what's going on and join in if they like.

"We've had a few regulars who have joined us but, perhaps, wouldn't have if we weren't based in the pub."

Services start at 7.30pm with 30 to 40 minutes of contemporary worship. It is then followed by a short coffee break.

There is then a general sermon followed by prayers and the service ends around 9pm when the congregation joins regulars in the bar for a beer or two.

Hendrik said: "It's a nice, relaxed atmosphere and good for the landlord too because they didn't use to open on a Sunday night."

Hendrik, who says he's partial to a pint of Guinness after a service, added : "There are some people who say we shouldn't be based in a pub because it is not a consecrated building. But we worship the holy spirit who lives within us wherever we are - whether consecrated ground or not. "

Landlord Gordon Dunnachie and his partner Sue Coultas said the services, which started in June, were helping to break down barriers.

Dunnachie said: " There's been a bit of banter and micky-taking but some of the regulars will sit in the bar and listen and join them for a coffee or drink later on. ."

But, despite Christmas falling on a Sunday this year, there will be no service this weekend because the pub will be closed.