A group of 17 churches in Cornwall are to close during January amid rapidly increasing cases of coronavirus.

The decision has been taken by the Lizard and Mount's Bay Methodist circuit to suspend public worship for the month, although they will remain open for funerals and private prayer.

This is not a requirement of Tier 3 rules, which state that people can attend places of worship for a service, although they must not mingle with anyone outside of their household or support bubble.

However, superintendent minister Rev Danny Reed announced on Wednesday: "The decision has been made that public worship in the Lizard and Mount's Bay Methodist circuit of chapels be suspended for the month of January 2021.

"This is not a government ruling or even a Methodist one, but one that the leadership team have taken to safeguard staff, preachers, congregations during this particular time when Covid cases are increasing so rapidly in Cornwall.

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"Chapels will be able to hold Covid safe gatherings for funerals and private prayer.

"We will miss meeting together but feel we must put the needs of our communities for safety first and we rejoice that vaccines are being rolled out and look forward to reconvening our worship times. "

The closure affects the following chapels: Balwest, Breaney (Breage), Central Helston, Cury, Crowlas, Degibna, Goldsithney, Leedstown, Meneage, Marazion, Mullion, Ponsongath, Porthleven, Ruan Minor, The Lizard, Trinity, United Methodist Church St Keverne.

Services will continue to be recorded and posted to the LAMB Circuit Cornwall Facebook page and Lizard and Mount's Bay Methodist Circuit YouTube channel.

"We continue to pray for the safety of friends family and neighbours near and far," added Rev Reed. "A very safe and happy new year."