TWO church workers are planning to live for a week inside a cage next to York Minster.

Luke Smith and Gav Loftus will spend seven days and nights locked in the cage outside St Michael le Belfrey Church, in Minster Yard, in a bid to share their Christian faith with the people of York.

Both men, who are members of the G2 congregation at the church, have gained hundreds of supporters across the UK as they prepare for a week in what they are calling the Cage Of Freedom.

Luke, 29, a church relations developer, from Heworth, said: “Many people across the globe are trapped in abusive relationships, sex trafficking, slavery, and many other people are in careers they hate and are watching their life slip through their fingers.

“We believe the message of Jesus is bigger than our religion and bigger than our churches, and it frees people from those situations today.”

The pair say that, while in the cage, they will be totally dependent on the people of York for food and they will use a camping toilet.

They will sleep in sleeping bags on rollmats, so are expecting to get wet when it rains.

The pair have acquired almost 300 supporters, who have been leaving messages of encouragement on their new website during the past two months.

Luke and Gav say while living in the cage they will offer prayers for residents and tourists and hope their unusual week will spark discussions around the city.

Gav, 20, a maths student at the University of York, said: “Some people will ask why on earth are we doing this.

“As Christians, we believe that Jesus offers us freedom whenever we feel trapped. And we want to tell people about how good this is.

“Anyone can join us at any time during the week to chat or pray with us, on the outside of the cage of course.”

The cage will be situated on the forecourt of St Michael le Belfrey from Sunday, June 27, until Sunday, July 4.

For more information visit g2york.org/cageoffreedom