Keeping spirits high during lockdown is as simple as a song and a dance sometimes.

And Reverend Becky Gibbs is no stranger to the logic, performing a toe-tapping routine for her virtual congregation on Sunday.

Using steps learnt at her MokyFit dance classes, taught by Shameem Arnold, the St Bees Priory reverend put a smile on everyone’s face with her dance to Faith by Stevie Wonder and Ariana Grande.

“Last week a Facebook post went viral of Catholic Priests dancing an Irish jig to the hymn tune Lord of the Dance after Mass,” said Rev Gibbs.

“It was so jolly and uplifting that I decided I would give it a go. Not an Irish jig though, I wanted to do something a bit more relevant to St Bees, so I chose a Moky routine.

“Shameem teaches the classes across West Cumbria, and before lockdown, I was regularly attending classes in Egremont.”

But the jig had a second meaning for the reverend, performing also for heart transplant survivor, Katy Taylor-Hamilton.

Rev Gibbs said: “Katy is a member of the church choir and a regular attendee at Priory services and events.

“She is shielding at the moment because she had a heart transplant three and a half years ago, I decided I would dance to the end of Sunday’s live-streamed service for her and anyone else like her.”

She added: “I chose to do a routine to a song called Faith because it seemed appropriate considering the setting.

“Katy loved it and I’m looking forward to the day when we can all dance together again.”

Dance teacher Shameem loved the idea, and said: “I was thrilled when she messaged to ask me if she could do my Faith dance workout routine at her Sunday service especially as it was inspired by a mutual friend Katy.

“Lockdown is affecting everyone, and some light relief and entertainment are much needed.

“Seeing a reverend at a church service finish with a lively MokyFit routine streamed live is quite unexpected but so entertaining and heart-warming.

“I can’t imagine there weren’t some nerves, but Becky’s smile says it all and I’m sure all the congregation watching online thoroughly enjoyed it.”