LANGUAGE is no barrier to a Winchester church.

Visitors to the city from far-flung places have been welcomed at the Winchester Family Church, based in Middle Brook Street.

Leaders say the most noticeable increase among other nationalities is Japanese.

The Family Church has now taken on a voluntary student worker, Noyuri Kuramoto who is from Japan and an ex University College Winchester student.

Noyuri said: "I want to help the students make friends in the church and have a meaningful time while they are here. I also hope that they will know that they are valued by us and by God, and that they will become people who make differences to the world."

The church has introduced an interpretation system with the main teaching being translated in Japanese.

Church leader Chris Kilby said: "It has been a real joy to meet so many folk from overseas and we are delighted that Noyuri has come on to the staff team to help us meet the needs of this wonderful group of people.

"It does mean that as leaders we have to be pretty organised and get our teaching notes to the team to be translated in advance, but they are doing a superb job."

The church has also launched a Global Cafe which runs on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Guests meet in the Middle Brook Street Centre for tea and coffee, a meal and entertainment.

On Friday the cafe will have a Christmas party and guests will be able to try the tastes and traditions of an English Christmas.