Vicars in northern England are offering a service to people moving into new homes in an attempt to attract more people to the church - free home blessing.

Rev. Chris Painter, a vicar in the diocese of Manchester, says, "For a large part of the church's history, people have come into the church building. Nowadays people tend not to come into church so we need to find new ways to meet people."

Vicars are willing to pray for each part of the house individually. A prayer can be said in the kitchen for good health, for example, and one can be given in the bedroom for a healthy sex life.

Painter says invitation cards will be left in real-estate offices around the diocese to tell new members of the community about the service.