PARISHIONERS whose church was destroyed by a blaze are determined to see their close-knit community become "stronger than ever before".

A fire broke out yesterday evening in Stow Hill, Newport.

The blaze ravaged the old Zanzibar nightclub and 140-year Bethel Community Church.

Reverend Chris Wood, who lives in Rogerstone, said he has been left feeling "speechless".

"When I am not out preaching I worship here," he said,

"It has been here for years. What happened last night feels like a death to so many people. "It is not just the building that has been destroyed but church records over the years. They mean a lot to people.

"People have fond memories of this church. I am speechless over what has happened."

Following on from the fire, parishioners are now rallying together to overcome their grief.

Karen Cleverly, who is married to the pastor, said: "I am absolutely devastated like everyone else.

"But we will rise up. The church is the people and we have 200 people every Sunday to worship.

"I was baptised here and married here. We have a lot of memories.

"We will rise up out of the ashes and be a stronger community like never before."

Parishioner Shaun Matthews echoed similar remarks, saying: "I cannot see the church building being repaired. It will cost far too much money.

"But we, the people, are a big family. We are all coming together.

"We will get through this and become closer."

And Hannah Worthing added: "I am gutted over what has happened.

"It was a shock last night. We stood here and saw the flames get bigger and bigger.

"But we are determined we will rise up."

Pastor Andrew Cleverly previously said he and parishioners had "no choice" but to watch the flames engulf the building.

Emergency services are still at the scene.

For more details on what happened, visit blog