The number of listeners engaging with the Church of England's Daily Prayer audio service has surpassed 1 million.

The podcast features short services for both the morning and the evening, and follows the pattern generally followed in CofE Common Worship services across the country. 

The services are recorded by volunteers and then edited together with music from the St Martin's Voices Choir at St-Martin-in-the-Fields, just off London's Trafalgar Square. 

Singers at the central London church have recorded more than 250 songs to be specifically shared via the digital services. 

It's taken just over 18-months to reach the 1 million mark; the podcasts began in March 2021 after Covid restrictions forced churchgoers online. 

Around 8,000 people tune in to the services each day, despite churches reopening their doors over a year ago. 

Thomas Allain-Chapman, head of publishing for the Church of England, said: "Adding audio to the existing Daily Prayer app has transformed a useful resource into something truly inspiring and enriching. 

"So many people report how the blend of voices, music and silence enable them to feel part of a worldwide community of prayer, day-in, day-out."

Podcast listener Paula Sullivan, from Burton-upon-Trent, said: "I have used the Daily Prayer app for many years.

"At first it was about exploring what Christian faith might mean. During lockdown I found it a great support, it helped to give structure to my days and the sense of engaging with many others now and in the past who have gone through tough times. 

"The addition of the audio has made it much easier to engage with and I have discovered the wonderfulness of the Psalms. I also use it to follow Morning Prayer from Derby Cathedral."