A church in Gloucestershire has put up a life-sized cardboard cutout of Peter Crouch to remind parishioners to socially distance. 

With the congregation of St Mary’s Church in Prestbury struggling to picture what two metres would look like, Revd Nick Bromfield, the vicar of the church, decided that the 6ft 7 footballer would be the perfect practical guide.

“He stands near the entrance and he greets parishioners as they arrive in his dinner jacket and Rolex,” Revd Bromfield said.

“People do a double-take but instantly realise and remember, ‘Oh yes, I've got to keep two metres apart’.”

Revd Nick Bromfield with a cardboard cutout of Peter Crouch

Although not all the members of the congregation were familiar with Peter Crouch, everyone agreed that the cardboard cutout was a very good idea. Revd Bromfield told Premier it had even sparked some curious conversations with people from outside the church.

“Last week a very distinguished gentleman came up came in and I noticed he did a double-take at Peter Crouch as he left,” Revd Bromfield said. “He looked at him and he said: ‘Dear, dear boy, who is that man?’ I said: ‘He's Peter Crouch, the England footballer.' ‘Oh, is he right? Right. Okay,’ the man responded. He walked off towards the main door and then he turned around and asked ‘Do you know if you can get Joan Collins from anywhere?’"

St Mary’s Church is part of a team of churches across North Cheltenham, which includes four other congregations. Peter Crouch will tour the parishes and will visit a different church each week.