A church has been forced to close temporarily while problems with its electricity system are investigated.

It could cost St John's in Accrington more than £20,000 to make safe the 143 year-old building.

Members were informed of the closure at a service yesterday (Sunday), and the St George's Day Parade Service had to be held in St James', in the town centre.

The Vicar of St John's, the Rev Ian Robertson, said the decision had been greeted with sadness' by church members.

Prayers were said at the service when official letters, explaining the background to the decision, were read out.

Investigations began after the church failed to be awarded a certificate of worthiness', required every five years, after problems with its electricity supply.

Expert investigators and the church's national insurers recommended that the church should be closed temporarily.

The church was advised that the electricity had been found to be unsafe, and would not meet standards required by health and safety experts.

A church member immediately offered her home for the mid-week Holy Communion service on Wednesday, said Mr Robertson.

The main service next Sunday will be held at St Augustine's, Accrington, under a new plan for worshipping in different churches, agreed before St John's temporary closure became necessary.

Options for future worship for the St John's congregation are being investigated.

About 20 people attend the early morning Holy Communion service, and more than 100 adults and children the main morning service at St John's.