Blackpool church scoops prize in national photography competition

The winning photo shows Freedom Church members outside the derelict hall, taking a break from clearing rubbish from the inside

The Freedom Church in Mereside doesn’t have its own church building but that doesn’t stop local people coming together to worship.

The photograph of their simple outdoor meeting has been named one of nine regional winners in Ecclesiastical Insurance’s Parish Pixels competition.

It will receive £1,500 as North West winner and could scoop the top prize of £5,000 if it is named national winner later this year.

The church was born out of the closure of the old St Wilfrid’s Church on Blackpool’s Mereside estate.

Rev Linda Tomkinson arrived four years ago, determined to try something different. Her first services were in her own home, but the congregation quickly grew and started meeting in a council-owned building. It is now outgrowing that facility, and Linda and her team are raising money to renovate and reopen the old church hall, which has been derelict for years.

She said: “We’ve raised £75,000 to repair the roof but the inside will cost a further £240,000. The prize money for this competition is significant for us. In the meantime, we do lots of outdoor services.

“It’s a busy little church, with a growing congregation and lots going on – a seniors’ group to combat loneliness, a gospel choir, a ‘Shed Men’ group when men can do practical things and build friendships, and lots more.

“The photograph was taken by an incredible single mum called Amanda.

“She came to faith through our church, and is studying to be a photographer. To see her joy over what she’s achieved for her church family was wonderful.”

Parish Pixels was launched last summer, inviting Anglican churches in England, Wales and Scotland to capture the essence of their church in a single snapshot, accompanied by a one-sentence caption.

The competition attracted more than 600 entries, and a panel of judges selected the nine winners from across the UK.

The public will now be given the chance to vote for their favourite image before Ecclesiastical and church representatives select an overall winner.

To vote, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/parishpixels