AN initiative has been launched to bring ‘hope’ to Ludlow.

HOPE is a national initiative occurring throughout 2014 which seeks to put churches and Christians at the heart of their communities.

In Ludlow churches got involved with the last HOPE initiative in 2008 and are keen to get involved again.

Last time churches helped with a number of Litter-Picks, put on a football match (Clergy v Cops) which raised money for a children’s cancer charity, and hosted a pantomime at the end of the year.

This time the churches wish to build on what they have learned from 2008 and make the focus much more Ludlow based.

Hope volunteers have already helped ‘Pride of Ludlow’ clean up the town as part of a community contribution element of the project.

They will also be staging ‘fun events’ and this coming Sunday (March 9) will be holding a pancake race in Ludlow town centre from Events Square to the gate of Ludlow Castle.

Later in the year there will be a sing-song for seniors with a high-tea, and a family pantomime written by the community for the community.

In April there will be a charity car wash to raise funds for South Shropshire Youth Forum and Home-start. On Friday March 21 there will be live music and a debate on the theme ‘How can we have hope for the future?’

Hot drinks and cake will be served and there will be opportunities to ask some big questions, as well as receiving prayers for the concerns that people have.

‘Hope’ is supported by the main line denominations, including the Bishop of Ludlow, the Rt. Rev Alistair Magowan.

“We simply want people in Ludlow to recognise that the Christian faith combines both practical and spiritual aspects,” said the Rev Tim Coles, pastor of the Elim Church in Ludlow who is co-ordinating the initiative in the area.

More information about Shropshire Hope can be found on their website – www.shropshirehope.co.uk – and from local church leaders.