IT is normally associated with Hollywood stars and the latest blockbuster movies.

But on Sunday mornings Vue Cinemas at the Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park is transformed into a church.

Life Ministries, an independent 21st Century church, uses Screen Three to hold its services.

Senior leader, Jon Bracegirdle, said: “We were looking for a venue that is different to other churches in the area.

“We have Christian values but get the messages across through a more lively approach than what is traditionally associated with churches.

“By being at the cinema it is more accessible to people who might not normally attend church and hopefully will attract a younger audience.”

It started out as a house group with six people, but has now grown with more than a dozen attending regularly and new faces are said to be always welcomed.

They use the big screen to show a worship DVD which the group sings along to.

Mr Bracegirdle and his wife Hannah, founded the Life church in Horwich after attending a similar organisation in Bradford which attracts a 3,000-strong congregation.

Mr Bracegirdle, aged 35, added: “We used to travel to the Abundant Life church in Bradford every week and decided there was nothing like it in this area and wanted to change that.

“We all lead hectic lifestyles with high pressure jobs and it can be hard to fit everything in.

“The church at the cinema reflects this as it is in a busy location near the where a lot of people are and it is modern.”

But the church will not be open on Christmas Day... the cinema is closed.

A spokesman for Vue Cinemas said: “We were approached by the church earlier this year and we agreed to allow them to hold their service here.

“It’s the first time we have done anything like this but it is quiet on a Sunday morning so there is no problem. We would certainly be interested in similar approaches.”