Vicar bans collection plate coins

The vicar is asking for paper money only

A vicar says he will only accept notes in his collection plates during wedding ceremonies.

Father Mark Sowerby of St Wilfred's Church, Harrogate, said he felt he had to act after some wedding collections produced less than £10.

Now orders of service contain a note saying "Paper money only please".

Mr Sowerby pointed out that regular worshippers at the Anglo-Catholic church are asked to give 5% of their after-tax income.

He said he took the step after years of counting coins at the end of weddings

"I felt it was not right that guests at weddings should be giving far less than Sunday morning worshippers."

Affluent area

The vicar added that so far three weddings had been conducted under the new arrangements and there had been only one complaint.

"The contribution we have to make to the diocese - our parish 'share' - is £100,000 a year," he explained.

St Wilfred's church is Grade I listed and was consecrated in 1914.

It is situated on the Duchy Estate, one of Harrogate's most affluent areas, although the parish also includes poorer parts of the town.