Vicars have been told not to wear dog collars in public over fears that Islamic State will target a British church in its next attack.

One man of the cloth said he has been advised not to wear his dog collar out and about amid fears he could be singled out in a terror attack.

It has also been suggested UK church congregations should have a ‘bouncer’ on the door so that worshippers at small parish churches are more protected.

Guidance: An anonymous vicar said he has been advised not to wear his dog collar in public amid fears he could be singled out in a terror attack (file picture)

National Churchwatch has warned smaller churches are at more risk than larger ones and issued new guidance following the murder of a French priest last month.

The advice includes instructions to buy CCTV and carry personal attack alarms.

The vicar, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Mirror: ‘I’ve been told not to wear my dog collar in public to identify myself.

‘I’ve also been told not to be alone in the church but it would cost too much to pay someone to come with me to open up each day.’

The draft 12-page document by National Churchwatch says that churches need to make sure doors can be bolted and that worshippers are aware of what to do in the event they spot anything suspicious, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The paper was written by Nick Tolson, who has also advised the Home Office on its places of worship security committee.

New measures: It has also been suggested UK church congregations should have a ‘bouncer’ on the door so that worshippers at small parish churches are more protected (file picture)

Someone should be present by the door while the congregation is inside, according to the guidance.

National Churchwatch has issued new guidance following the murder of French priest Jacques Hamel (pictured) last month

It states: ‘The job of the person on the door is to delay any offenders (including those who are not terrorists) so that the police can arrive and deal with them.’

The Home Office announced last month that it would provide £2.4million to increase safety at places of worship.

The Counter Terrorism Advice for Churches provides safety and security advice to churches and advises congregations to flee in the event of an attack rather than try to hide.

Mr Tolson, the director of National Churchwatch, said: ‘The risk is still very low, however, we need to think about what we need to do.

‘It won’t be Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s, it will be a little church in Bolton or Birmingham.’

A Church of England spokesman said much of the new security guidance was already covered by its own advice.