A CHURCH built more than 160 years ago is losing so much money that its congregation could be in danger of losing their vicar.

St Paul's Parish Church, Croston Road, Farington, is losing around £100 every week and the coffers from the collections are not enough to keep it out of debt.

Each week the stuggling church must pay more than £450 to the Blackburn diocese in a 'Parish Share'. Money collected goes towards paying for the running of churches across the country.

But recently St Paul's has been unable to pay its share, meaning that it will only be able to afford a part-time vicar if the situation does not improve in the near future.

Reverend Dave Thompson (pictured) said: "Ultimately, some of the facilities that we currently offer will be under threat.

"If we can no longer afford to pay a full-time vicar, people won't be able to come and see them during the day, or whenever they want."

The Bishop of Blackburn is launching a roadshow to give presentations about church finances and explain the situation.

One solution may be to put parishes together under one vicar. Another is to ask worshippers who are already donating money to dig even deeper to avoid any change.

Martyn Halsall, spokesman for the Blackburn Diocese, said: "This is not an isolated problem.

"The church exists on very, very, tight finances, and the vicar has warned parishes that the time is coming when, if they can't afford to pay for their clergy, they may not be able to have them."

But Mr Thompson is quick to assure his congregation that lack of funds won't mean the end of the church.

He said: "Of course, there will always be church services and bible readings. These are things that will always happen, and don't rely on money."

Anybody wishing to donate funds should call the church on 01772 338999.