A CHURCH'S first-ever outdoor baptism ceremony had some help from local firefighters.

They filled a birthing pool with 1,400 litres (308 gallons) of water for the baptism of Noreen Hinton, a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Caldicot.

The ceremony took place on the field at Caldicot School where the church has been meeting since January to accommodate growing numbers.

The full immersion – in cold water on a chilly morning last Sunday – was performed by Bethany's minister, Rev Jon Hall.

Mrs Hinton joined the church 18 months ago after the death of husband John and earlier this year decided to get baptised.

She said: "I've been a Christian for a number of years but I went away from God.

"My husband died and I needed something to hold onto and that was God.

"The people at Bethany have been absolutely fantastic and so supportive.

"It's a bit chilly and it's full immersion."

Rev Hall said it was the first time the church had held an outdoor baptism.

He said: "We get about 120 people with children and young people but we can only seat 100 in our current building.

"We've been meeting at Caldicot School since January and we are grateful for the help we have received.

"We are also grateful to the fire service in Caldicot for their help in filling the birthing pool.

"It's quite appropriate to have a baptism in a birthing pool and we were going to run a hose from a tap but that was never going to work.

"The firefighters used water from a hydrant and they had it filled in about five minutes.

"We have a project to extend the church and we've raised £55,000 so it's going really well but we need about £140,000.

"We are looking to do it in phases and the first phase will give us better facilities."