CHURCHES in East Lancashire and across the North West are encouraged to go green with the launch of a new environmental campaign.

Eco-Congregation challenges churches to look at issues such as how much energy they use and how much waste they create, while promoting recycling and environmentally friendly burials.

Those churches who make a significant impact on the local environment will be rewarded for their efforts.

Professor Graham Ashworth from Samlesbury is chairman of the Going for Green, which launched the challenge, and chairman of its sister organisation, the Tidy Britain Group.

He said: "This is the first time that Christians have been set such a challenge, but it is one which I'm confident they will rise to.

"As a Christian myself, I believe that we have been given a sacred duty to safeguard our planet."

He said people could save energy and resources with everyday measures such as turning the tap off when you're brushing your teeth and making sure the television is switched off completely at night.

"If everyone turned off the television, including that little red light that everyone thinks doesn't matter, it would save enough power to run a hospital," said Mr Ashworth.

Alan Woods, chief executive of Going for Green added: "Eco-Congregation is all about individuals doing their bit to help protect the planet and as a secular organisation, we were only too happy to work with the churches as they were so receptive to the environmental message.

"If all five million church-goers in the country took up the challenge it would make a significant difference and would be a positive influence on the rest of society."