A Suffolk church has created a story booklet based on two church mice called Mattie and Hattie to help get children involved in worship services.

The 'Great Communion Adventure' story booklet aims to explain church services and make everything accessible for younger people.

The idea came from the team at St Mary’s Church in Bacton, led by the Rev Carl Melville.

The booklet was designed and illustrated by graphic designer Amanda Manley.

The idea was thought up during lockdown, with the church mice being used to take children on a journey through a church service.

Rev Melville said: “We wanted to make our services more accessible, giving often frustrated children the chance to join in.

“In the books, Mattie and Hattie explain the different things that go on in our services as well as setting tasks for children to do – what they can spot around the church and things like that.

“The mice really came alive once we gave them names, and we had a whole family of mice before we knew it.”

The booklet is being used in several parishes across the diocese, as well as being shared with more than 20 other dioceses nationally.

Amanda Manley added: “The characters went through a long process of change, when you look back it's interesting how they have evolved.

“I started looking at pictures of mice and working out how they would look and move and to get the different expressions on their face.

“When they started out they looked more like rats – and a bit too realistic – so I redesigned them to be more cute.

“I’m happy with how they have turned out.”

The Rt Rev Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich, said: “I hope you enjoy the journey of Mattie and Hattie in this booklet.

“Just as they are making a journey, I pray that you are able to travel with them and be guided to learn more about God's love for you and to grow in Jesus' way, which is just the best way to be that you could imagine.”

The ‘Great Communion Adventure’ has been followed up with ‘Great Baptism Adventure’, which is available now.

For more on Mattie and Hattie and to order a copy, visit www.cofesuffolk.org/deepening-faith/everyday-faith/great-communion-adventure