IT WAS not your average Sunday church experience.

Winchester Cathedral hosted a ‘Come and Bounce’ event with a bouncy cathedral in the nave.

Along with giant games, puppeteering and a picnic area, the cathedral used the day to launch its new Children’s Church Sunday School.

The idea was conjured up by Annabelle Boyes, Canon treasurer, during a breakfast meeting and fellow clergywoman Rev Sue Wallace said it will hopefully bring in more children to the cathedral.

Rev Wallace said: “Sunday School is such a great thing and we are hoping more children will be a part of it with us for this year.”

The one-off bouncy cathedral is part of an initiative to encourage more people through the doors at Winchester Cathedral. The inflatable cathedral can be hired for various events – from Church fetes to jumble sales.

Rev Canon Dr Roly Riem, vice-dean at the Cathedral, said: “The new bouncy cathedral will give the message that our cathedral can provide a home for all ages. We take life seriously and we think there’s a place in the church for laughter and happiness.”

Beth Cotterill, of Badger Farm, said: “It is something that you would never expect to see, a bouncy castle in a cathedral. Nowadays Sundays are taken up by sport and other activities, so bringing something different will hopefully draw the children in, and with their parents too!”

The Children’s Church will take place on Sundays at the 11am service.