SPREADING the word on-line has won recognition for a Blackpool parish church in a national competition.

The website for St Paul's, Marton, has been voted one of the 12 best parish websites in the country out of a total of about 600 entries.

"We were thrilled and delighted to receive this recognition, which we hope will be an encouragement to other parishes keen to develop their communications," said the Vicar of St Paul's, Father Christopher Wren.

The website is developed and maintained by parishioner Kevan Thorn.

"In particular, the award is a great tribute to Kevan who had the expertise and technology to develop our site and who keeps it constantly updated."

Father Christopher said the aim of the site was to present "quality information that is up to date".

"In our case, of course, it's been an opportunity to share through hyper-links with other organisations that we are involved with such as the church school, the operatic society and the Roman Catholic Parish of St John Vianney."

"Websites offer an extra way of making contact with people who might not visit a church but who are increasingly familiar with the Internet," he added.

St Paul's website was named among the runners up, after the three major prze winners in the competition.