RECENT research suggests that as many as three million people would go back to church "with the right invitation".

So members at St Andrew's Church in Chippenham are holding a Back to Church Sunday on September 30 at 10am.

Past records suggest that on average participating churches welcomed 10 people back on this occasion in the past three years.

Across the country that could mean 17,000 people could come back on the last Sunday of September.

The Reverend Simon Tatton-Brown said: "Churches can be quite daunting places the first time. You go in. Everyone else seems to know what they're doing. But you feel embarrassed and left out."

That's why members of St Andrew's Church are giving personal invitations.

"The personal invitation makes all the difference," added the St Andrew's Church vicar.

"And if you haven't had an invitation and would like to come, come along anyway. There will be welcomers on the door to see that you are not on your own.

"We will also be having an easy-to-follow service, with a lot of explanation along the way."

Guests will each receive a party bag at the end of the service, with some information about the church, and a bar of Divine' brand chocolate!

For further information contact (01249) 656834 or (0789) 189 8472.