PARISHIONERS in Weston are being urged to return to church over the Christmas period.

PARISHIONERS in Weston are being urged to return to church over the Christmas period.

The parish priest of Corpus Christi Church, in Ellenborough Park South, is hoping to get people back to worshipping as part of a national scheme called Welcome Home for Christmas.

Reverend Gabriel Leyden has written a letter to Weston residents inviting them to services.

He said: "There are many religious people who no longer go to church. Christmas is a time when most people like to go home and we want to welcome them back.

"A survey has revealed that when a lot of people stopped attending services they felt awkward about returning. Most said they wanted to be invited back so they felt more comfortable.

"There is so much materialism surrounding Christmas and we want people to remember the real reasons for it.

"We do want people to keep coming after the festive period as well.