A CALL for churches to unite in the battle against falling attendances has been made in Cleobury Mortimer.

Hugh O'Neill, moderator of Cleobury Mortimer Churches Together, stressed unity of denominations as the group launched its 2002 programme.

He said: " We need more occasions when we share in each other's normal services."

He added: "We have now held the first of these with our very successful evening mass held in St Elizabeth's Catholic Church with the group from the New Life Church providing the music. We need more shared actions if we are to stem the drift away from the church."

The group's programme includes prayer meetings on the last Wednesday of each month in the Methodist Hall at 7.30pm.

Lent and Easter will see Friday lunches and an open day in the parish hall on March 2 with displays from all village churches.

Musicians or organisers interested in helping present a musical can call Nigel Hodgson on 01299 271131.