A CHURCH has set up a helpline with a difference.

Northallerton's New Life Baptist Church is manning the phone line, which allows callers to pray with the person at the other end or ask to be prayed for.

The church is the latest centre to take part in the national Prayerline scheme, which was launched in 1995 by the United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) as Listening Line.

In 2003, it became Prayerline, operating from the UCB's headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent. Since then, 22 satellite centres have come into operation around the UK.

The Northallerton centre will be headed by John Zelinka, a member of New Life Baptist Church. He will work with Jean Davies, Janet Hall, Marilyn Ward, Pat Lloyd, Paul Purves, Edith Humphries and Merrill Janes.

The confidential service, which should not be confused with a counselling or advice service, is charged at local call rates.

Callers are connected to trained Christian volunteers who will pray for them and with them on issues including unemployment, marital problems and financial concerns.

For more information visit www.ucb.co.uk. The Prayerline number is 0845-4567729 and is available from 6pm to 8pm on Thursdays.