BOLTON churches have turned to technology in an innovative bid to net more worshippers this Christmas.

All the town's Anglican churches have signed up for a website designed to bring singers flocking to the season's Christian message.

Visitors to the site -- www.carolservice.co.uk -- simply have to type in their own postcode to gain instant access to details of a service at their nearest participating church.

But despite the 21st Century slant, there are no plans for Internet-updated carols such as Hark The Herald Angels Surf or www.e Three Kings.

The move is part of a £50,000 multi-media campaign, entirely funded by an anonymous benefactor, to tempt those who would not normally go to church to enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas.

The Right Rev Christopher Mayfield, Bishop of Manchester, said: "Christmas hasn't really begun until you've attended your first carol service. There's no better way to get into it.

"This campaign is an innovative reminder that the true meaning of Christmas is still there if you are prepared to look for it.

Some 50 churches in Bolton diocese, which includes Westhoughton, Horwich, Farnworth, Little Hulton and Daisy Hill, are holding carol services between this Sunday and Christmas Eve.

Bolton Parish Church is also holding services and is promoting those on its own website at: www.boltonparishchurch.co.uk

Rev Michael Williams said: "We've had the site for about a year and it has proved to be popular. I don't know whether we'd ever expand it so that people can see our services live on-line - we'd rather people came to the church.

"But it does have details of the services and events we'll be holding over the coming weeks and there's a chance to read about the building and our bells."

The Bolton and District Hospital Saturday Fund, one of the town's oldest voluntary health organisations has joined the Internet revolution with the launch of a website. The scheme, which has more than 16,000 members, provides cash back to help with a wide range of medical expenses. Peter Green, chief executive of the Hospital Saturdays aid: "Despite the organisation dating back to 1877 we have never been afraid to embrace the latest technology. Our website means that we explain the benefits of the scheme to a wider audience and it will dramatically improve the service that we are able to provide to our existing members."