WYRE Forest Christians have completed a course designed to relate their Christian faith to their own life and locality.

Around 60 people, including residents from Kidderminster and Stourport, took the Bishop’s Certificate course over 12 months with the support of local tutors.

The Bishop of Dudley, Graham Usher, addressed the candidates before presenting them with their certificates.

“Receiving your Bishop’s Certificate is a fantastic achievement and I hope that over the 30 weeks of study you have drawn closer to Christ,” he said.

“Whether this is just the beginning of an incredible adventure or the continuation of a lifelong journey, you are now at a turning point.

“I hope you will consider what God is asking of you next. Well done.”

St Cecilia’s Church member Karen Mansfield, who was part of the Kidderminster and Stourport group, she said she really enjoyed the fellowship of the group.

“At the time all of us were going through difficult things in our life,” she said.

“The course gave us focus and I found it a really practical help. It’s been a stepping stone for me.”

The course covered various subjects including the Old and New Testaments, Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, and living as Christians with people of other faiths.