CHURCHGOERS in a north Durham community are considering taking out newspaper advertising to attract children to their church.

Senior members of East Stanley Methodist Church are considering making the move because the number of children aged between three and 14 in the congregation has declined over the years.

They have already used televisions and videos to try to attract youngsters to their primary and junior church, but that idea hit problems when three televisions were stolen in 18 months.

Senior parishioner Blanche Beer, of East Stanley, said members of the church committee had decided to advertise for young people to attend as a last resort.

She said: "We just think it's a real shame that our children don't have the chance to experience and learn about the Christian way of life.

"We wouldn't be too bothered if we thought they were receiving proper religious education at school, but they don't seem to do a lot of that any more.

"We talked about it and thought we'd try something like this. We have a lot of fun activities for them, and we would welcome them with open arms. We would appeal to parents to give their children the chance to do this."

The primary and junior church will be open every Sunday, at 10.30am, from September 3.