Gainford church abseilers keep the faith

People of all ages visited a dale church to take a leap of faith at the weekend.
Those who went to St Mary’s Church, in Gainford, on Saturday were given the rare opportunity to abseil from the church tower.
About 50 people took to the church roof to conquer their fear of heights.
Maia Ornsby, 15, from Eppleby, completed the challenge followed by her mum, Debby Harrison, and her aunt, Paula Kirkup. Ms Kirkup’s children, Archie, nine, and Elizabeth ten, also attempted the challenge.
Ms Kirkup, from Winston, said: “It was terrifying but exhilarating. I am pleased I did it.”
The family event was held as part of the Talking Jesus weekend, which was led by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu (see story below).
Revd Rie Walker, of St John the Baptist’s Church, in Preston, was visiting the dale for the first time.
She said: “The buzz around the diocese is amazing. I think this weekend is very important. It is all about making faith alive and kicking which it should be. It is also encouraging everyone to come into the church. We have really enjoyed coming up here. Gainford is a very welcoming place.”
Ordinand Jack Shepherd, who is training in Durham, was also in Gainford for the first time.
He said: “It has been fantastic. It is a very good way of seeing people come together.”
While well-earned refreshments were served inside the church, visitors also had the chance to speak to mountaineer Revd Dr Paul Weston about his outdoor experiences. 
St Mary’s vicar, Revd Eileen Harrop, said: “We have got all age groups here today including grandparents. Some of them have said that they did not think a church would be open to do something that different. It is a great community event.”
Everyone who took part in the abseil is invited back to the church to share their experience on Friday, March 17, at 7pm.