DEDICATED doormen could be the key to keeping local parish churches open all hours.

That is the suggestion put forward by Blackburn Cathedral Provost, the Very Reverend David Frayne, who enlists a team of dedicated vergers to care for the religious landmark. In response to the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters' calls for parish churches to follow the Cathedral's lead and open every day, the Provost believes that the solution lies with the worshippers.

He said: "I have had a great deal of experience as a local parish priest and understand that it is very difficult to find people who can, and want, to give up their free time to look after their local church.

"The Cathedral's vergers come from all over the diocese, from a pool of 600 worshippers at various parishes. Therefore it is easy for me to find enough people to promote the Cathedral's 'Ministry of Welcome'."

The 'Ministry of Welcome' is the Cathedral's initiative of giving the public a tour of the premises, encouraging them to support the shop and to find out more about its history.

Vergers are on hand to guide visitors and deal with enquiries. The Provost added: "It is far more difficult for parish churches to attract the same kind of help.

"But I know there are people out there who would like to get involved and they should be encouraged to do so. It is the only way churches will be able to stay open around the clock."

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