Churches are pioneering text giving in an effort to encourage cashless congregations to donate electronically.

One parish of six churches around Rugeley, in the Midlands, is launching the scheme on Sunday, with others set to follow suit.

"People carry less change," said team rector, the Revd Dr David Evans, "so this gives them a way of giving that’s firmly 21st century and it’s a way that most people pay for these things these days if they are not using cash."

Dr Evans won’t be throwing the collection plate away just yet, as "regular members expect to give" that way. But instead of there being one moment to give, there will now be three.

"We’ll be adjusting what we do so that there is a time before the service and after the service when people can text," added Dr Evans. "It is a worship service, so we hope that people won’t text during the service."