THE Victory Church will hold their first service of celebration in Bream on Sunday (August 15, 3.30pm) extending an open invitation to anyone who would like to attend.

Victory Outreach UK was founded in Coleford almost 30 years ago by David and Dinah Sansome to rehabilitate ex-offenders and ex-drug addicts.

Sunday's service will be in the old Wesleyan Chapel in Brockhollands Road, Bream, which was opened in 1860. The chapel was closed by the Methodists in 1962 and acquired for use as Bream Pentecostal Church.

With a declining congregation the church closed and the trustees offered the building to Victory Outreach UK for them to use as part of their vision to help men and woman resettle into a Christian life.

The ministry expanded and now caters for 40-plus residents seeking a new life in their homes in South Wales.

Two years ago David and Dinah handed over the directorship to Richard and Jill Taylor. Richard, who was a resident at Victory Outreach UK 18 years ago, found the Christian life exciting and trained for the ministry becoming pastor of a large church in Birmingham.

As an arm of Victory, Richard has pioneered the first Victory Church in Cwmbran with regular congregations now exceeding 200 in the space of a year appointing Kenny Brandie, who was also a resident, as his co-pastor.

Victory Church, Bream is a further extension of the church and work of Victory Outreach UK. More information can be obtained from 08454 092449.