A LEYLAND priest is hoping to boost his flagging attendance figures by putting faith in football.

Parish priest Keith Horsfall, of St Andrew's Church, is organising a series of events to deal with World Cup fever, in a bid to boost his congregation.

Manchester City's Chaplain, the Rev Tony Porter, and Manchester United's Keith MacIntosh, are coming to St Andrew's this weekend to help local football fans learn the power of prayer in a special Sunday service.

A special booklet, offering Christian messages, even contains the World Cup fixtures. Mr MacIntosh said: "This event is part of the St Andrew's sports ministry outreach work, where we try to introduce members of the community to the Christian faith.

"Sports people should see that Christianity can play a part in their lives as professional players at local, national and international levels."

Parish priest Keith Horsfall said: "There are several examples of Christianity playing a part in sport, such as the Jamaican football team always saying prayers before a game."

Other events at the church include a training session with staff from Preston North End.

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