A PUBLICITY frenzy will make the Teletubbies bigger than Jesus this Christmas, according to a concerned pastor.

Alan Barnes of Blackburn Ragged School United Reformed Church claims the popular toys will take over the festivities, with the true meaning of the season being forgotten by many.

In a message to his congregation he said: "I think we shall find and hear more references this Christmas to Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po than we will to Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem!"

"Hopefully, through the way we celebrate the real meaning of the season, the gathered community of all ages will appreciate there is more to Christmas than the latest fad to dominate the commercial market."

He is urging people to attend special services laid on at the Bent Street church.

"Try as you may you cannot escape it, for we are in for a Teletubbie Christmas.

"These ugly yet quite cute little creatures will delight thousands of youngsters on the 25th, added the minister.

"That is where we come in. What a better time of the year may we witness than at this happy season.

"By attending ourselves and bringing others with us to worship, at the special services."

Parents have queued for hours outside East Lancashire shops in a bid to get their hands on the cuddly TV creatures and a black market has developed, with people paying over the odds for the ultimate stocking-filler.

A carol through midnight and holy communion service will be held tonight at 11pm. Carols around the Christmas tree will take place on Sunday, December 28 at 4pm.

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