Lancaster vicar's video sermon ... 'from a bridge over the M6'

Rev Canon Peter Ballard, non-stipendiary vicar of St James Church at Shireshead with Forton, has been producing a weekly reflection for his congregation ever since the first lockdown last March.

He and his producer, Derbyshire-based retired broadcaster David France, have now made more than 50 short films for the congregation and a growing number of followers elsewhere.

In his most recent episode, using a little bit of 'techno sorcery', Mr Ballard discussed the effects of the pandemic in his sermon from the mount...the bridge at Forton.

And previous videos have seen the vicar come 'live' from places such as Blackpool beach, the River Lune and various cathedrals - all filmed from the comfort of his own home.

"It all started in the first lockdown," Mr Ballard said. "I have known David since we worked together 30 years ago and he suggested I might want to do a reflection every Sunday that he would produce for me, because the churches were shut at that time.

"That was with the intention of doing maybe four or five - but we never stopped.

"I saw it as something just for my congregation, but David saw something more in it and has made it more televisual.

"My reflections have come from a lot of different places...all while I am just sitting in my office with a green screen behind me."

Even though St James Church is allowed to open at the moment as a Covid-secure venue, the pair will continue to make the videos whenever possible.

"I have also been live streaming services since June," Mr Ballard said. "I have learned a lot of things I never thought I would be doing!"