A number of Church of England dioceses are to receive nearly £5million in funds to help share the Christian message with local communities this Christmas.

Through projects, ranging from community choirs, children's ministries, lunch clubs and homeless initiatives, the Anglican Church hopes to engage with a younger and more diverse demographic over the Christmas period and into the next decade. 

Coventry Diocese will receive £1.25 million in Strategic Development Funding (SDF) to help create 150 new worshipping communities in the diocese by 2030.

The Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth has called it a "big moment" for the Diocese as they "venture out on a life-giving work to build up our church communities and reach deeper into some of its most disadvantaged parishes."

Meanwhile, Southwell and Nottingham Diocese have been granted £3.5 million to support the outreach of 40 churches over the next five years.

The award will be used to train and commission more leaders and volunteers in reaching children and families with the message of Jesus - a "vital project", according to Bishop of Sherwood, Rt Rev Andrew Emerton that seeks to "transform the children and families and youth ministry in churches across Southwell & Nottingham."

The grants come as part of the Church of England's 'Vision and Strategy' for the next ten years - to double the number of children and young people in churches and attract more diverse congregations.