Britain's first church on wheels has hit the open road - with a bishop celebrating mass on a double-decker bus.

The project is aimed at taking "the church out into the world" and getting people to change their "lives for the better".

Passengers will be able to confess their sins or just enjoy a cup of tea with a priest by hopping onto the vehicle over the next week.

And there will also be a music group playing on the lower deck, while worshippers will be out on the streets giving candles to people and inviting them to pray.

Glasgow Times:

Photo credit: SWNS

The idea, which is the brainchild of the Friends of Divine Mercy Scotland, set off on its opening tour from Paisley, Renfrewshire, on Monday.

Organiser Helen Border said: "Inspired by the call from Pope Francis to 'go out to the ¬people and take the Church to them' we've decided to do just that -- with a church on wheels.

"There will be priests hearing ¬confessions on the top deck of the 'Mercy Bus' and literature, tea and coffee available downstairs.

"Everyone is welcome. We hope passers-by will come on board where they can say a prayer or just chat.

"Today, so many people are angry and upset, often because they've made the wrong choices and want to change.

"Stepping on board the bus could be the first step in changing their lives for the better. We hope they'll come aboard."

The bus will drive across different towns, including Paisley, Coatbridge, Greenock, Barrhead and Glasgow until Saturday, August 5.

Glasgow Times:

Photo credit: SWNS

Bishop John Keenan, from the Diocese of Paisley, said: "This is a fantastic initiative and a wonderful example of evangelisation, which takes the church out into the world.

"I wish the venture every success and hope it will be the first of many similar initiatives which offer people a route back to a relationship with God."

The bus and its driver have been donated by businessman and philanthropist Sir Brian Souter who is a co-founder of the Stagecoach Group.

He added: "This is an innovative idea to bring faith issues to the high street and I hope people will find help and meaning through this initiative."