A DEGREE with a divine difference is being offered at Holy Cross College this September.

The full-time Foundation Degree in Pastoral Leadership is the latest degree at the Manchester Road college and will provide a framework for the training of lay people within church communities.

The course is provided by Liverpool Hope University College and the Diocese of Salford, and applicants need to be actively involved in the life of a local church and give at least one day a week to parish activities.

Allison Czerwinka, marketing and recruitment officer at the college, said: "This course is a vocational route aimed at encouraging people to obtain paid work within the ministry. It won't lead to the priesthood, but the students can take on a smaller role in church life such as a lay preacher."

Peter McGrail, programme leader for Liverpool Hope said: "Local church life is undergoing rapid change with the reduction of clergy and worshippers.

"At the same time, a greater demand for church support, and a more professional approach to church life, requires more volunteers and paid staff, with appropiate qualifications."

The two-year degree course is aimed at those, aged 18 or over, who have at least the equivalent of a grade C GSE in English Language and are able to demonstrate their potential to succeed.

Anyone interested can attend an open evening on Wednesday, at 7.30pm at the college. For details, call the Adults Programmes Office on 0161 762 4513.