VISITORS to a Bromsgrove church early this morning, where a giant screen had been installed for them to watch England's crunch World Cup game against Nigeria, prayed for the 'hand of God' to steer their heroes through to the next round.

Peter Billingham, senior minister at NewSong Community Church, in Broad Street, Sidemoor, hit on the idea of screening the match to give families the chance to watch it in the company of others.

Pub viewing, he said, catered mainly for "dads and lads."

He added "NewSong is a different kind of church offering upbeat music, computerised video graphics but above all a warm welcome.

"We are just a group of friends who have found Jesus makes a difference in our lives and we enjoy being together. Why shouldn't that involve football?"

On World Cup final day the church is planning to hold an early service and a family fun day and barbecue.