A PULPIT, believed to have been used by the joint founder of the Methodist movement, is looking for a new 'home'.

With the recent closure of Cheriton Bishop Methodist Chapel, due to falling membership, former worshippers there are anxious that their historic pulpit will find a church willing to take and continue to use an important part of the chapel's former heritage.

It is thought that John Wesley (1703-1791), the brother of Charles Wesley, preached at the wooden pulpit when he visited a Methodist church in Teignmouth, South Devon. The pulpit itself came to Cheriton Bishop in 1840 when the chapel was built.

Church steward Joan Ley told the Times: 'We have just got rid of our organ to a church in Teignmouth and the 50 chairs have been taken by a church in Crediton, so we are anxious to find a suitable home for the pulpit.'

If you or your church are interested in the wooden pulpit, which has been painted white, please call Joan on 01647 24410 or Janet Grist on 01647 281637.