A NEW Kendal church is to host three "unchurchy" talks at a pub this autumn, from people whose lives have turned around.

Rev Jonny Gios, co-leader of the Gateway Church, said the "Transformed Lives" events would take place on the last Sundays of September, October and November at the Fleece Inn on Highgate, Kendal, from 2pm.

He said: "This is an amazing opportunity to hear stories of how people’s lives were rock bottom and how they encountered God, and are now helping others in society to see transformation in their communities.

"It will be very informal and "unchurchy" with real, gritty stories that will have you entertained, laughing and moved with compassion."

The first two speakers will be former drug addict and dealer Brian Porter, on September 29, whose life changed after meeting a street pastor; and father-of-five Darren Armstrong, on October 27, an ex-offender who runs a charity.

The November 24 speaker will be Kervin Julien, who was abused as a child and fell into a crack cocaine habit and gangland crime. His three children were taken into care and he lost his business and £500,000 London home after it was stormed by 21 armed police. He now helps feed 150 homeless people each week.

For more details, see gatewaychurchkendal.org