DWINDLING numbers of new priests could mean Catholic church services are cut and parishes forced to share clergymen, according to a religious leader.

The Right Rev Patrick O'Donoghue, bishop of the Lancaster Diocese, which covers Preston and South Ribble, said the number of priests attending theological college is falling.

He claims the diocese has lost about 20 priests, in the past two decades, and says priests could be forced to cover more than one parish.

"We only have nine young men going through their training," said the bishop. "It could mean a priest may have to cover more than one parish and a possible reduction in services."

The crisis has already hit the Church of England in Preston following the departure of Canon Martyn Griffiths, vicar of Preston, and his assistant, Father Tom Davis.

Religious chiefs say it could take up to a year to fill both vacancies, which have yet to be advertised, leaving the St George's Church and the city's Minster with no permanent vicar.

A handful of services have already been cut and and vicars from other areas are having to cover religious duties.

Members of the congregation could now be asked to rally round and support their church.

Denise Warlow, church warden at the Minster, said: "We don't anticipate the appointments taking longer than six months.

"A few services have had to be cut but we don't fear we'll lose our congregation because the people that worship at the two churches do so regularly.

Bishop O'Donoghue added: "The important thing to remember is that worship is still being carried out and this will continue.

"We're okay at the moment but if we reached this situation it could enhance the parishes because they would be given more responsibility."