CHURCHGOERS in Little Kimble found themselves in the magical world of Narnia during a special service this week.

On Sunday, Kimble Free Church was transformed into a winter fantasy land, complete with snow and winter trees.

Just like in the film The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, visitors were made to walk through wardrobe doors and push aside clothes to enter the Grove Lane church.

More than 80 people crammed into the church for the novelty service, which was the idea of Val Pyper, the church pastor, and her husband Jon.

Mrs Pyper, of Thame Road, Longwick, said everybody had enjoyed the day.

She said: "It was fantastic and everyone commented on how good it was. We thought it would be a good idea with the release of the film at the cinema and the Narnia books have always been special."

The congregation in the church in Grove Lane were entertained by puppet shows and music was provided by two young saxophonists.

Mrs Pyper said the service was the perfect start to the festive season.

She said: "There is an underlying Christian message in the Narnia books and we wanted to show that Christianity is not boring but really fun. It was great that so many people in the community came together to make this happen."

Mrs Pyper, who has only recently taken up her position at the church, says she is settling in well. She added: "Everyone has been very kind and welcoming. It is a lovely church to be involved with."

Kimble Free Church has also hosted a carols by candlelight service with music from the Ellesborough Silver Band, and are holding a Christmas Day service at 10am.