The number of people attending Church of England services in Bradford has risen by four per cent.

Bradford is one of 16 dioceses which saw annual increases in their church attendance figures for 2004, according to new figures.

And the average weekly attendance for children and young people has also risen dramatically in the diocese.

The Bishop of Bradford, the Very Reverend David James, said: "I am delighted there has been an upturn this year and I hope it will continue. The figures have been particularly pleasing in relation to young people and children. The average weekly attendance has gone up from 2,600 to 2,900.

"We are seeking to reach more children and young people with weekly services, like mother and toddler services, and in some parts of the Diocese we have appointed youth workers. These figures are for 2004, and in 2006 we are focusing on children and young people. We are encouraging parishes to have youth services and, if they can, to share their youth workers. We are looking outwards into the community as well as upwards to God and this makes a difference."

St Christopher's Church in Holme Wood employs youth worker Andy Sykes to work in the parish and the wider community.

The church runs a host of activities for youngsters including a performing arts group called 'Wannabe' for up to 40 youngsters.

Mr Sykes also runs music workshops during lunch breaks in schools and after-school clubs at St Christopher's church, fun and games clubs, a discussion group for teenagers and a Sunday School.

"Most of the music stuff does not have a Christian content," he said. "They are open music classes but most of us who staff and volunteer are Christians and part of the church. We advertise the Christian faith by what we do. We don't 'bible-bash' kids.

"We live in a world where church is not seen as anything cool and trendy - most young people's initial reaction is that it's irrelevant to them. Our church and the other churches in Holme Wood are open churches and people feel able to come in and do things they want to do as well as discovering what Christianity is all about."

St Mary's Church, Oxenhope, holds a half-hour exploratory liturgy service on a Sunday once a month and has seen many people for whom Sunday morning has not been convenient return to church.

The Revd Canon David Brierley, Missioner in Evangelism and Priest-in-Charge at St Mary's, said: "Research tells us that 40 per cent of the population is reachable if we just bend a bit, become a bit more friendly and try and make it easier for people to come to church. And I think that's what we've seen happening.

"These may only be one year's figures, but it's clear that when other dioceses have started to buck the trend, their growth has been consistent."