ARSONISTS are thought to be behind a fire in the main hall of a church which left parishioners without a place to hold their Sunday service.

The fire involving furniture at the Church of the Nazarene in Stamford Street, Ashton was started just after 8pm on Wednedsay night.

Luckily people in another part of the building at the time smelled smoke and were able to make sure everyone got out safely.

Today Pastor Carl McCann said the hall had been left badly damaged by smoke and would be unfit for use on Sunday.

But clergy from a Methodist church on the same road have offered to help by making space for the weekend service in their building.

He said no-one knew why anyone would want to target the church, but that aside from the 80 strong congregation, the building was used by 1000s of people from all walks of life as a result of outreach work with young people, the homeless and people with mental health issues.

He said he was still looking for an alternative venue on Friday for the regular youth and children's activity group.