Football-crazy teenagers are being lured into a church for big-screen world cup viewing ... in the crypt.

The Rev Derek Wooldridge, Rector of St Paul's, Holgate Road, York, said the football evenings were a good way of spreading the Christian message among the young people, even if it is in a rather unusual form.

He said: "We believe that God is interested in the whole of life not just the religious bits."

More than 40 members of the church's two youth groups watched the Scotland v Brazil match last night and they will watch a further five in the first round with a meal and refreshments laid on by church volunteers.

Teenagers from the youth groups at the church decided they would like to watch the matches together and the Rector agreed.

Mr Wooldridge said it seemed like the logical option. He said: "We have a video projector and a screen, there is a very good World Cup on and we have lots of young fellows who are keen on football and it is far more fun to watch it with other people."

Last night the young men, between the ages of 13 and 19, ate spaghetti bolognese as they settled down to watch the match. A few adults also managed to sneak into the back of the church to take advantage of the show and it is hoped that later on some of the girls will go along.

Mr Wooldridge said: "It was good last night - it was a very nice atmosphere.

"There was great tension as the penalty was taken. It is quite good that the final is going to be on a Sunday because we are going to have a very special evening service with an opportunity to watch the football afterwards."

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