Forres Baptist Church held a free open day for families in its newly extended hall

Around 120 people attended a free community event in a revamped church hall at the weekend.

Forres Baptist Church held a fun morning from 10-midday on Sunday in their newly extended hall at Clovenside - a building they hope to own outright following the purchase of common good land from Moray Council.

A public consultation on the sale has completed - the outcome will be reported to the local authority’s committee in November.

Church secretary, Rosemary Pannell, confirmed fun morning attendees enjoyed games, activities and refreshments.

She explained: “We wanted to offer local families an event they could enjoy without worrying about the cost. We had a great time, with a play area and bouncy castle for the children.

“We also wanted to show the community our newly extended hall, partly funded by the Berry Burn Community Fund and Benefact Trust.”

The event featured a craft table, bracelet-making, lucky dips, knock the cans down, treasure hunt, splat the rat, guess the name of the bear and sweets in a jar games, ping balls in jars, biscuit decorating and face painting.

Tea, coffee, juice, biscuits, cakes, ice cream and candy floss were also on offer.

The event was free thanks to the church members.

“All of the games, activities and prizes were donated,” said Rosemary. “Maclean’s Highland Bakery and Walker’s Shortbread kindly donated biscuits.”

Forres Baptist Church is inviting the wider community to a guest service on Sunday, September 14.

The next free family event will be a bonfire supper before a fireworks display on Saturday, November 1 from 5-6.30pm.

“We offer free hot dogs, baked potatoes, hot drinks, glow sticks, toasting marshmallows and apple bobbing,” finished Rosemary.

“It was a great way to meet new families and start the evening without having to spend any money!”

For more information visit https://www.forresbaptistchurch.org/