CBEEBIES presenter Gemma Hunt will lead two pirate-themed family services at a Locks Heath church.

Gemma, who has presented the pirate-themed gameshow Swashbuckle since 2013, will be at St John the Baptist Church, Locks Heath, to lead two services on May 12.

That evening, she’ll also be interviewed about her Christian faith and her career in broadcasting, as part of an event held at the same church.

The two pirate parties will be happening at 1pm and 3pm, and will include stories, songs and a pirate quest. She’ll also be sharing an interactive Bible story about The Lost Coin. Tickets cost £2 and need to be booked in advance.

It’s the second time that Gemma has been involved with a church led by the Rev Luiz Lima, the new priest-in-charge of St John’s. She also led a pirate party at his previous church in Worksop. Luiz moved to take charge of the Locks Heath church last September.

Gemma said: “The pirate party will involve lots of audience participation and be a fun time of story telling, singing and dancing all around a pirate quest to find my jewels.

“Being a Christian in any line of work comes with its blessings and challenges. My job is very much public and therefore I take the responsibility I have seriously and do my best to represent Jesus in all I do and say. It is by the grace of God that I am able to do what I do as an act of worship to thank the Lord for the gifts and abilities He has given me.”

Gemma will also be at St John’s Church from 7pm on May 12, when she’ll be interviewed about her faith and her work. Those of all ages are invited to attend. Tickets cost £2, including a glass of Prosecco, and advanced booking is essential.

The Rev Luiz Lima said: “Gemma is an amazing communicator, and I really enjoyed the pirate party she led at my church in Worksop. The children who come along feel they already know her, because they’ve seen her on the TV, and she is just as warm in real-life as she is when broadcasting.

“So I know that the families who come to these pirate parties will have an amazing time, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m also pleased that Gemma can be interviewed about the difference that her Christian faith makes to her life. I know people will be fascinated to hear about it.”

To find out more and to book tickets, see: www.portsmouth.anglican.org/pirate