A CHURCH has been given permission to turn a vacant north Glasgow pub into a place of worship.

Glasgow city planners approved a change-of-use application by New Mercy Church for the Ashfield Bar premises in Hawthorn Street.

The building is next to Ashfield Stadium, home to Ashfield Juniors Football Club and Glasgow Tigers Speedway Team.

A drawing submitted to the planning department showed that the bar area will become the church sanctuary — where services would be held — with room for around 100 seats.

The lounge area will be turned into a hall, and smaller rooms will be provided for children’s activities.