A THURROCK church hall was packed to hear the story of two differing roads to faith.

Speakers at a breakfast event in Grays organised as part of St Peter and St Paul's Taste and See' experience were the Bishop of Bradwell, The Rt. Revd Dr Laurie Green, and Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay.

Dr Green was consecrated bishop in February 1993 and he told how he discovered the church when a feckless teddy boy in London's east end, coming out of a family background steeped in communism.

Mr Mackinlay, on the other hand, came from a very religious background yet made his career in politics.

The event was the culmination of a week's activities at churches across the borough, inviting local people to sample the church and what it has to offer.