A church community have promised to offer as many services as possible online during the pandemic.

Malmesbury Abbey want to reach those who might be affected by loneliness or isolation throughout the next few weeks.

Rev. Oliver Ross, Vicar of Malmesbury & Upper Avon, said: "The days are getting shorter and colder. We are anxious for ourselves, for those we love, especially those who are vulnerable and elderly, and for our families.

"Normally we’d like to meet friends and be sociable “in-person” and yet this is possibly the one thing we can’t do for the next month and the hardest to cope with.

"So, during November, at Malmesbury Abbey, I want to let everyone know that the Abbey itself, will be still be open on Tuesday and Saturday 10am to 12noon for private prayer.

"There will still be opportunities to meet together on-line to keep our spirits up and have something to look forward to.

"Although we can’t meet in person you can join in our live streamed and on-line services on Sundays."

The services are available online at www.malmesburyabbey.com and on the Malmesbury Abbey YouTube channel.

Morning Prayer is available at 9.00am every weekday streamed at www.facebook.com/groups/Malmesbury.Abbey.

The Rev’d Mandy Churcher and her volunteer team will continue to keep in touch with older, isolated and vulnerable people in Malmesbury by phone and running essential errands.

Andrew Beebee, the Abbey's Children and Youth Minister is running online youth groups which are a chance for games, making friends, discussion and prayer.

If you’d like someone to pray for you - email: prayers@malmesburyabbey.com, Alternatively, a help-line is available on 07425527312

The Abbey's Richard Searle-Barnes added: "You see on the news how loneliness and mental health have been affected as a result of what is going on. The Abbey wants to reach people who would like someone to speak to or are seeking help. We need to try to keep positive even though these are very difficult times."