WORSHIPPERS hoping to attend the first service at Taunton's premier church since lockdown have been told they'll need to book their pew.

St Mary Magdalene Church is holding an act of worship for the first time in almost four months on Sunday (July 19) at 10am.

Future Sunday services will take place on August 2 and 16 before the church reverts to weekly services.

Additional services will resume as soon as restrictions are eased further.

A St Mary's spokesman said: "We are delighted that we are now able to recommence services of worship.

"We remain subject to restrictions set out by the Government and the Church of England, which include maintaining social distancing of two metres wherever possible.

"To satisfy all the restrictions at St Mary’s, it will be necessary to limit the number of people attending services to around 80.

"We, therefore, need to operate a booking system."

Booking forms have been sent to regular worshippers, although people can e-mail or phone the benefice officer if they do not have one.

Virtual services will continue to be uploaded on the church website for people unable to attend in person.