I AGREE with the Bishop of Blackburn's call (LET, February 7) for more Christians to go into teaching.

While Christians do not have a monopoly on life and moral values, they do have a major contribution to make in education. As Education Secretary David Blunkett said on one occasion whatever it is that church schools have, it needs to be bottled and given to all schools.

I would like to go into teaching as a mature student, but can't afford to leave my current occupation and live off a student loan.

I appreciate the Government is making more money available, but, unfortunately, it is not enough, especially for those with families.

As a member of the Church of England, may I ask will the Church be willing to help those Christians who are prepared to take up Bishop Chester's challenge?

JOE BEARDSWORTH, Falcon Avenue, Darwen.