THE numbers are extraordinary. Each Saturday night, between 9.30 p.m. and 2 a.m., between 80 and 200 people drop into St Peter's, Chester, on their way to and from pubs, clubs, and restaurants. They are a diverse crowd, including clubbers, tourists, rich and poor, young and old. At St Peter's, they find hospitality in a free café, music, worship, and volunteers from 12 local churches who are ready to listen, share, and pray.

Gill Reeve, an evangelist and the co-ordinator of Night Church, says that "the amazing thing is that just by being there, committed to loving people and prayerfully welcoming them, we have seen people encounter God in a powerful way, again and again."

She expresses gratitude to the Vicar of St Peter's, the Revd David Chesters, and his congregation for being "so generous in entrusting us with their beautiful ancient church, a place of deep spirituality and peace". They work closely with the Street Pastors in Chester, and also with the homeless services, the council, and the police, who, she says, are regular visitors.