FOREST E-Act Academy was packed to the rafters as the Forest of Dean Community Church celebrated its eighth birthday.

Pastor Tim Cracknell said they could have sold twice the amount of tickets that were sold.

Singer Helen Shapiro sang many of her hit songs, including Walking Back To Happiness, as well as sharing her life story about rising to fame and finding faith in Jesus at 40.

During a special celebration service the next day, Philippa Asher, Tom Nicholson and Duncan Murray shared how the church had an impact on their lives bringing encouragement, hope and acceptance.

Pastor Tim Cracknell gave a message on how following Jesus is different to what many people think and Fiona Taylor led the worship.  

Over the last eight years, the Forest of Dean Community Church has outgrown their original premises on Station Street in Cinderford, and moved to the Forest E-Act Academy School.

The church has also run mission trips to Philippines, Peru and Rwanda supporting work among orphans and impoverished people. The latest mission to the Philippines at Christmas saw the church nurses provide medical assistance to the most vulnerable in Mindanao, who would otherwise not been able to afford even the most basic of medical treatment.

Pastor Tim Cracknell said: "By bringing the message of the Bible alive in a less formal way at the community church and using modern music, people are starting to reconnect with God."