THE number of people worshipping in the Church of England in Herefordshire has gone down following a period of steady growth.

Latest figures show that on a typical Sunday in 2005, 11,100 people attended C of E services in the county, compared with 11,500 the previous year.

The average weekly attendance in 2005 was 12,800 compared with 12,700 in 2001.

Anni Holden, director of communications for the Diocese of Hereford, said: "It is disappointing that after a number of years in which church attendance has gone up, there was a dip in 2005.

"But this is small and in line with the national trend. We are not panicking about it but will continue to keep an eye on the numbers."

She added did not know why there had been a decline in church attendance during 2005 or why the previous year had been so strong.

Nationally, the figures released by the Church of England show a significant increase in the number of young people going to Church but Anni Holden did not know if this was the case in Herefordshire.

"We do not have the figures but overall our congregations tend to be older people, which reflects the demographics of the county," she added.