VICARS in Bolton may be asked to oversee groups of churches due to a decline in the number of full-time staff.

All the deaneries in the Manchester Diocese are currently carrying out a pastoral review which has resulted in the suggestion that a number of churches be linked under the control of a single clergyman.

This would mean that, rather than being based at one church, teams of clergy would oversee groups of churches.

This year there was a record number of ordinations in the Manchester Diocese but many were part-time and the number of full-time clergy is declining.

Nationally the number of full-time clergy is predicted to fall to 7,000 in 10 years, less than half of the figure 50 years ago.

Other suggestions under consideration include dividing the current Deanery of Deane into three areas - Horwich, Westhoughton and Deane.

Each would have three full-time vicars covering four churches between them, with retired, voluntary and lay ministers providing back-up support.

Area dean for the Deane Deanery, the Rev Roger Cooper, of St Katharine's Church in Blackrod, said: "We had a record number of ordinations in Manchester this time, but a number of them are not paid.

"Things change and parishes change so we are now looking at how best to deploy the clergy to run the churches effectively to help them grow in future and encourage each other."

Within the Bolton borough there are four deaneries: Deane, Farnworth, Walmsley and Bolton.

The Rev Chris Bracegirdle, area dean for Bolton, said: "There are discussions taking place to see how churches can be grouped together.

"This is challenging for everyone and moves us out of our comfort zone.

"But it is exciting to look at the resources we have got and be the best we can for future generations of the church.They are difficult decisions, but they need to be made."

In some parts of Bolton, team rectories have already been established. Area dean for Farnworth, the Rev Cherry Vann successfully shared responsibility for both St John's, Kearsley, and St Peter's, Bradford Street, Farnworth, as a team rector.

She said: "If people involved feel it is being imposed from above there is a bit of resentment. The congregation is as much a part of this as the clergy."

The Church of England recently announced the closure of St Peter's in Bolton due to high maintenance costs.