A CHRISTIAN group is hoping the power of prayer can help Kidderminster.

And the House of Prayer believes its 24-hour, seven-days-a-week mission could restore the town's reputation as a "colony of heaven".

To make it work, 168 people - reflecting the number of hours in a week - are needed to pray at an appointed hour.

Already 65-70 people have signed up to help the assembly achieve its 24/7 goal, and anyone from a Christian church who can help fill gaps is welcome to join.

Because the group does not have a permanent site, volunteers can pray in their own homes. Rev Graham Francis and wife, Jackie.

Founders, Graham and Jackie Francis, of Whitegate Drive, Kidderminster, set up the group three years ago, aiming to spread the "good news of Jesus".

Rev Francis said evangelist Richard Baxter was a "massive influence" to the married couple's decision to organise the group.

He said the town obtained a holy image through the 17th century preacher's work with Kidderminster folk.

The 65-year-old retired hospital chaplain said: "Prayer is the most powerful expression of man to God. We would like to see the presence of God in the town once again as it was in the days of Richard Baxter.

"He had such an effect in the town that Kidderminster was known as the colony of heaven".

"But the linchpin for what we do can be seen in Jeremiah 29:7 where it says 'Pray to the Lord for the city you are living in.' That is our motto."

The non-profit organisation relies on donations to cover the cost of newsletters and hiring venues.

Members attend functions every other month, praying for causes such as the safety of the town's policemen.

In September, they divided themselves among eight of Kidderminster's main entry points to ask for the town to be blessed.

Member Ron Bond said: "The great English poet Lord Tennyson once said 'More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of'.

"With the memories of September 11, the inhuman treatment of children throughout our world, and the escalation of crime in our town, I and these words of Tennyson ought to challenge into action all who believe in the power of prayer."

For more details call 01562 822199.