PEOPLE who don't attend church could be the salvation of the area's newest place of worship.

Atherton Revival Church is being billed as The Church of the Millennium.

Barbecues, music, football and seven day opening are some of its 21st century features which aim to attract converts in a venture targeted at wholesale community benefits.

And Pastor Paul Borbash, pictured outside the Bag Lane church which opened on Sunday, said: "Churches have got to change. If people think God is in heaven and has a long white beard I'm afraid they are sadly mistaken.

"We don't want to poach people from other denominations. We are trying to attract people who normally don't go to church.

"We're not in this for profit, we're here to help people.

"We're here to serve people's spiritual needs. In the year 2000 people will need to go to church to be counselled and taken care of.

"Today we need a church for young people. They have started returning to church but to attract them we must provide somewhere they feel comfortable and satisfied.

"We aim to be flexible.

"We have had a lot of support from PC World, B & Q and funeral director Joe Garner and the Tyldesley-based Leigh Furniture Project. Now we are looking for help with carpets and chairs and musical instruments."

Bible study classes (Wednesdays from 7.30pm) and Sunday services (11am - 12.30pm) will be on offer along with soccer, socials and songs.

ARC is open daily 9-5 and ministers are on call 24 hours (07809 8451328, 0973 971474 or 01942 792215).

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