Worshippers filled an old Royal Mail site with the sound of modern hymns at the weekend.

The former sorting office in Sandling Road, Maidstone, has lain empty since 2013, but Liberty Church has moved in and is quickly making a new spiritual, as well as physical, home.

It’s a far cry from the stained glass windows and rows of pews a traditional church might offer, but that’s exactly what the new tenants like.

Pastor Craig Kohler said: “I think a new church needs new ways.

“The several hundred year old traditions are not the way forward to get more people involved in the church.

“Many of the things someone will see if they come to Liberty Church will be the same as a traditional church, there will be singing, but there are modern hymns.

“Some of the songs are more like dance or rock tracks but the words and the common message remain the same.

“The main thing is we are a church - we want to reach out to people with a message of hope and love, everything flows from that.”

After moving into the old Sandling Road sorting office last year Liberty Church has gained planning permission for internal works.

It’s now able to hold community groups, including some for school children as well as mum and baby groups.

On Saturday the church held an official opening, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony, as it hopes to welcome more members of the Maidstone community.

Deputy mayor Wendy Hinder, joined by Cllr Bob Hinder, was present for the opening and experienced a sermon at the church.

Mr Kohler said: “We’re a multi national church. On Saturday we had someone from every continent at our official opening, except Antarctica.

“A lot of the time we speak to people who say there’s nothing for young people in our religion.

“The modern approach might not be for everyone but if you want to see your kids start to understand the love of God then this is a great place to come and find out more.”

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.