CHURCHGOERS in a wealthy village have been urged to stump up more than a fiver for the collection plate every week after being told: "Loose change is not enough!"

The congregation of St James' CE Church, Brindle, must raise £70,000 this year to pay bills and meet the cost of building work.

The priest-in-charge and parochial church council have made the call. In a newsletter to parishioners, the Rev Mark Cannon said: "Brindle is classed as a wealthy village and we are asked to pay more for poorer parishes. Statistically, churchgoers and parishioners give less than £5 per week, which is about average nationally.

"Sadly, this level of giving is not enough, as we can no longer survive on silver and loose change. We need to encourage people to think about giving at least £5 per week.

"We realise this is a fair chunk of a state pension and do not expect this much from everyone, but most of us who are in work can afford at least this amount."

"In some ways, churches have to compete for people as supermarkets like Asda do. Our church has a bigger menu of service styles to choose from. We have the old, the new and the in between."

Church council secretary Joan Croasdale, of Grimes Farm, said: "It used to be said that a church's income was 'on the plate.' But it's a very different situation now. Upkeep costs are daunting."

"But I'm pleased we've got a young congregation and, contrary to what you might believe, we're thriving."

Pub landlord James Wilson from the nearby Cavendish Arms said: "It's a good idea. Everybody should put in £5. The vicar's a good lad."

Chef Alan Hardy added: "I don't go to church any more. But if I did, I'd put in a fiver. Years ago, when I was a boy, I'd put in £1."

But village handyman and former school caretaker David Barber said : "People used to say the Church of England was loaded. I don't know if that's still the case. Why don't they close some churches down? How many people are needed for a viable church? The church is part of our heritage and the school uses it, but I'd rather give £5 to a children's charity."

Diocese spokesman Martyn Halsall added: "The standard for offerings set by many churches is now 10 per cent of disposable income." There's national encouragement to meet that commitment, but it's for each parish to decide if it wants a formal scheme.

Recently published Church of England figures show 3,000 fewer worshippers attended weekly services in the diocese in 2002, than in 2001.

But Brindle is bucking the downward trend. So much so that members are optimistic they can raise enough money to upgrade the 800-year-old church and satisfy diocesan demands.