ON SATURDAY nights this tattooed biker stands on the door of one of Poole’s busiest pubs.

But on Sunday mornings, he dons his dog collar and welcomes parishioners to their pews.

Meet Pastor Mark Petrauskas of Ferndown, who is both a vicar set to open Ringwood’s newest church – and a bouncer at a popular nightspot.

He said: “I was in the prison service for eight years in Shaftesbury, and I was on the national riot team.

“It gives you certain skills that aren’t all that transferrable into many other things.

“In 2005, I went to Bible college and when I came out I wanted to do something that used the skills I had learnt.”

Mark – who is ordained with Elim Churches UK – is a ‘bivocational’ minister, meaning he also works outside of the church.

“It’s very normal and in fact is useful as it keeps my feet on the ground,” he said.

“I’ve worked at the Cow in Ashley Cross for a year and a half, and it’s a great place to work with a lovely crowd.”

He said his day job is often intriguing to customers.

“People often come out to have a chat to the bouncers, and they’ll ask what else I do for a living,” he said.

“I always tell them I’ll buy the next round of drinks if they can guess. They’ll say everything from a solicitor to an estate agent or a taxi driver, but I’ve never had anyone guess right yet.”

He added that many feel they can talk to him as he “doesn’t look like a vicar”.

“I see it as a great opportunity to talk to people outside of the church,” he said.

“I think the two things can seem very different, but lots of the same things apply. Sometimes in both you’re dealing with people who are sad or angry or need someone to talk to, and I enjoy helping whether I’m at the pub or in church.”

The newest branch of the Elim Church will open at Ringwood’s Greyfriars Community Centre on October 5. All are welcome to attend.

For more information, visit newforestelim.com