A BEWDLEY church's brass band will be bringing its carols and nativity service to people's doorsteps as it tours the streets of Kidderminster and Bewdley for eight shows in the lead up to Christmas.

Volunteers at Riverside Elim Church came up with a plan to take their Christmas carol service on the road after coronavirus restrictions forced them to cancel their usual festive service.

Between December 5 and 23, church members will be singing in eight streets across Kidderminster and Bewdley and are encouraging residents to join in with an interactive nativity service from the safety of their gardens.

Riverside Elim minister Steve Robinson told The Shuttle: "We had 200 people at our carol service last year but we were told we'd only be allowed 40 this year and people wouldn't be able to join in with the singing.

"We came up with the idea of taking the carols and the nativity service on the road to people's doorsteps. That way we could keep that community feel while still keeping people safe.

"We put the idea out to the church community and within 38 hours all eight dates were booked up.

"Our brass band will be playing under the street lights while socially distanced and a couple of us will be leading the carol singing. The songs will be part of the Nativity story and we'll be encouraging households to take part.

"The Clap for Carers really brought out our community spirit, with everyone being out in their gardens at the same time, and we wanted to recreate that for Christmas.

"We've been blown away by the response so far and we can't wait to get all the neighbours out in their gardens singing along."

Riverside Elim will be starting its Christmas carol tour in Spencer Avenue in Bewdley on December 5, followed by Chestnut Grove in Franche on December 8, Park Lane in Bewdley on December 12, Ferndale Crescent in Kidderminster on December 18, Coningsby Drive on December 19, Damson Way in Bewdley on December 20, Mill Lane in Hoobrook on December 21 and finally Highclere in Bewdley on December 23.

Shows will start at 7.15pm and marshals will be present to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed.