A PROGRAMME made up of more than 500 events, held in a bid to unite communities across Cumbria, has been enjoyed by around 25,000, according to its organisers.

Moving Mountains, a special event held across Cumbria united 33 church leaders and their teams and saw them travel to schools, community centres and entertainment venues, to give talks, host Q&A sessions and run a number of social events.

Church members were also hoping the outreach programme would encourage new members into the church, and show the type of work they carry out.

Dalton pupils question the role of politics and religion with visit from leading figures

The programme was launched on March 8 in Penrith, and by the time the last event was finished on March 11, staff had visited more than 50 schools - including Dowdales in Dalton, where pupils were invited to take part in open discussion with the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Christine Hardman.

Visiting the school on International Women's Day, Bishop Hardman was joined by Reverend Mark Wroe, Reverend Ruth Crossley and Furness Network Youth Minister Victoria Sekasi, who worked with pupils to discuss and query the role of government, and debate the role of politics and religion.

Former TV Gladiator wows crowds in Cumbria

Another hit event was held by former Gladiator Ace, Warren Furman, who gave a talk at The Forum in Duke Street, who spoke openly about the turning point in his life which led him to finding God on Sunday, March 11.

The Archbishop of York, who sparked the idea for Moving Mountains with his initiative to take the Bishops from the north of England to each other’s Dioceses, said, “I have worked harder on this this than any other Mission. It has been really encouraging with lots of opportunities and lots of people making a response to God. There is a really good County vision here: God for All: that everyone in Cumbria should know a bit more of God and of God’s purpose for their lives.”

Richard Teal, Chair of Cumbria Methodist District, said, “One of the really encouraging things was the number of people not normally linked to church who came along and went away with something positive.”