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​Churchgoers - whether current or lapsed - will know all too well the hurried scramble for change as the collection plate comes around at the end of mass.

But, if a new trial at St Nicholas’ Cathedral, in Newcastle, is successful, the jingle of coppers being passed around the pews could soon be a thing of the past.

That’s because contactless card machines could soon be used instead - and Newcastle Cathedral will be one of the first churches in the country to try it out.

In an attempt to adapt to a digital world in which congregation sizes are dwindling, the Church of England is experimenting with the tap-and-pay technology.

Around 40 places of worship nationwide are planning to trial the system, with the C of E hoping to see the machines rolled out across the country if it’s successful.

(Image: Handout)

Chris Dalliston, dean of the Cathedral, said: “We know that more and more people tend not to carry cash, so we would like to respond to that.

“Bearing in mind we have a running cost of £2,000 per day, but don’t charge an entrance fee, we hope that introducing contactless payment will make it easier for people to give as much or as little as they want, in the way that they want.”

But they won’t be among the churches consigning the collection plate to the back of a cupboard in the vestry just yet.

St Nicholas’ will instead be among 10 churches to opt for a standing terminal, which will be positioned at the back of the church, rather than a handheld one passed around during services.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

They hope that visitors to the historic building will use it to contribute towards helping with the upkeep of the centuries old church.

Mr Dalliston said: “We’d like to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy and appreciate this magnificent building for years to come.

“We are very grateful to our congregation for their very generous giving.

“At this stage though we’re looking at the contributions we receive from visitors, which is why we’ve opted to trial the standing contactless device.”

John Preston, the Church of England’s national stewardship officer, told the Financial Times: “We’re aware that younger generations - and there are many people now who don’t carry cash - want to give in different ways.

“Enabling them to give in a way that suits them is something we’d like to try.”

It is also hoped that introducing the device could have a security benefit.

The church has been targeted by vandals and thieves on a regular basis who break into the collection box containing donations.

It is hoped that a digital system will make it harder for criminals to exploit the church as a soft target.

The device is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and the nationwide trial will run until the end of the year.