THE latest idea to get more people attending church, of giving goody bags with a bar of chocolate, seems a step in the right direction.

This is a small way to being more upmarket.

If ministers developed a more modern way of putting over sermons, with jolly singing, similar to the Negro Spirituals who seem to put their heart and soul into songs, it would make churches a warm place to visit.

I am not suggesting it becomes a theatrical event, but rather than recycling old classics, perhaps more emphasis could be placed on everyday events.

We are living in a world far removed from those distant times.

This world has moved on (a lot of it for the worst).

Perhaps to get away from the mundane, we should look at the Vicar of Dibley and her approach to getting her congregation increased - follow God but treat religion with an everyday slant.

MRS ROSEMARY SPEDDING, Oswald Street, Accrington.