The Archbishop of Canterbury will be holding weekly church services on public radio

The BBC announced that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, would this weekend lead the first in a series of weekly church services broadcast on all 39 local radio stations.

This 'national wireless congregation' will be led by a leader from a different denomination each Sunday at 8am. Special shows for other faiths will also be broadcast.

Helen Thomas, director of BBC England, said: “Just because people are self-isolating doesn’t mean they have to feel isolated. Local radio has a unique role as a community hub: disseminating information, airing views and being a constant companion to listeners, and this has never been more important than now.

“We hope this national wireless congregation will allow thousands, if not millions, of people to worship during this difficult time.”

The Head of Digital and Audio for BBC England Chris Burns said “It’s a testing time for the country and BBC Local Radio will do what it does best and help people to bring communities together and tell the good news stories too of how people are coming together to support each other and make a real difference, during this unprecedented situation”.

All 39 BBC Local radio stations have joined with volunteer groups to help get messages across of support in local communities and in particular information that can help people who are most vulnerable or at risk; making sure people know that help is available in their area and how to access it.