Churches use radio to tell Christmas story

Churches in Shrewsbury, Telford and Market Drayton have come together to re-tell the Christmas story on local commercial radio.

They have put together two adverts in the style of football and horse racing tv commentators.

The Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Right Reverend Mark Rylands said the commentaries were "a lot of fun, and they also act as a reminder of who the important characters are at this time of year".

"We were asked at short notice whether we'd like to support this campaign. I mentioned it as an endnote at a recent lecture and was delighted that so many local Church of England churches wanted to support this initiative," he said.

The advert was produced in partnership with the Mission and Communications Departments of the Diocese of Shrewsbury.

The bishop said the generosity of churches supporting the project had been "inspirational".

He praised the way in which the broadcasts had managed to "bring our message and a little Christmas cheer to people across Shropshire and their neighbours in the Black Country".

Listeners are invited to find out more by visiting ChristmasStarts.com with links to find a local church.

The adverts will be broadcast on Free-Radio in the Shropshire and Black Country areas until Christmas Day.