A BLACKPOOL church is stretching out to the community by aiming to create "the longest Christian conga in the world" as part of a celebration service.

St Thomas's Church is transferring its worship from The People's Church on Caunce Street to the Mather Street/ Stirling Road recreation ground on Sunday (July 7) and is inviting local residents to join its outdoor congregation.

The service will be at the heart of a community fun day which also includes live bands, quad bikes, clowns, bouncy castles and a sponsored head shave with fund-raising for local cancer charity The Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

St Thomas's vicar, the Rev George Fisher, says the service promises fun worship for every age group.

He added: "During the service we'll be doing a conga with a difference and going for the record of the biggest Christian conga in the North West if not the world!

"I don't know if we'll reach a conga a mile long, but we'll have a try."

Two members of the St Thomas' community are aiming to raise at least £1,000, and seeking sponsorship from local companies by having their heads shaved for the Macmillan Appeal.

Hayley Matthews -- whose father died 20 years ago after being cared for by Macmillan nurses -- and Linda Cunliffe who has a young friend who has just lost her hair while undergoing chemotherapy will have an open air head shave during the afternoon.

Hayley said: "We hope local firms will pledge £50 each to the cause ensuring the round thousand by Sunday."

The fun day will be opened at noon by Blackpool Mayor Ivan Taylor and run until 5 pm. The service will be held from 2 to 3pm between the basket ball and the paper plane making competition.