EVEN the curate got the custard pie treatment at Sidmouth Messy Church s first birthday celebrations last Thursday.

EVEN the curate got the custard pie treatment at Sidmouth Messy Church's first birthday celebrations last Thursday.

The Reverend Dave Brown was 'victim' during the fun evening of games, craft activities and birthday tea at St Francis church hall, Woolbrook.

The free after-school group has been a great success, with between 50 and 70 attending regularly.

Thursday sessions start with games at 3.30pm and end with a hot sit-down meal and short act of worship in church.

Mr Brown said: "I oversee it but there is a big team of people who help out. We ask for donations to cover the cost of food."

He says Messy Church offers a safe environment to youngsters and allow them to "dip their toes into the way of faith.