Pastor Billy Jones delivered a message of "hope in darkness" to worshippers at one of Northern Ireland first drive-in church services under lockdown.

He said his service at Dunseverick Baptist Church, Co Antrim this morning attracted around 100.

And he thinks the drive-in model, which his parish has years' experience in delivering to north coast locals and visitors, was a resounding success.

Pastor Jones told Belfast Live: "I am just glad everything went really well.

"When the legislation permitted on Monday to enact step one, immediately we grasped the opportunity. Today, I think that all of us know that it was the correct decision for us.

"First and foremost we had in mind the safety of all who would come and ensuring social distancing, not just for the safety of those who attended, but my own car parking staff.

"That's why we wore masks and gloves etc so it meant that any potential risk was certainly at a minimum. People entered, parked, remained in their car and exited in total safety."

Pastor Jones has thanked the PSNI who were there to help direct drivers from the car park afterwards and said he believes it went down well with everyone who went along.

"The service provided people with an opportunity to come collectively together and worship God," he added.

"That was reflected as I commenced the service and without any prompting from me they started to flash lights, toot their horns and make a lot of noise. I already knew people were so glad to be out, gathered in one place and able to worship the Lord."

Pastor Jones said he has been providing services through social media since lockdown began but that it is a very different experience for people "sitting in their own house, by yourself or with your family".

The drive-in service, however, provided people from diverse faith backgrounds with a "collective opportunity" to worship today.

"I believe people really enjoyed the experience of just coming together and worshipping in that way," he  continued.

"We have proven today that it works and I would like to encourage other churches to consider the drive-in service.

"It doesn't replicate the normal Sunday service... but at this moment due to the pandemic I think it is a step forward, a positive step that will contribute not just to the spiritual wellbeing of people but the physical wellbeing of people.

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"There were people there today who hadn't seen each other for two months and I could see from the platform, people waving to one another. I could see people singing in their cars.

"You could imagine the conversation that was taking place. Some friendships were renewed there today and I sense that it was a really positive experience for everyone who attended.

"Today was about hitting the right note, it was about giving hope in darkness.

"I feel that I managed to relay that to people."

The next drive-in service at Dunseverick Baptist Church will take place next Sunday, while the pastor said they are considering adding one in the evening.

If anyone other parishes are considering a similar approach, he said all they need is a raised platform as he speaks from the back of a "spud lorry".

A drive-in service also took place at Elim, Maghaberry on Sunday.