A priest has told parishioners in Leicestershire  that they may lose their church- if they don't make greater use of it.

Father Peter Wade, of St Charles Borromeo in Measham, has warned that the place of worship could close for good.

The church was closed throughout the pandemic, but will temporarily reopen for mass; Father Wade has reached out to the parish, to ask them which mass time would be most suitable, in a bid to encourage people back into the church.

However, many congregants have moved on to surrounding churches due to the closure at St Charles Borromeo.

The church has until June to see a marked increase in visitors, or it may close for good.

Father Wade- has warned that it may be time to face the "stark reality" of the situation, which is not aided by the inability to run Mass at the usual time.

As part of the parish newsletter, he warned readers of the church's dim future, telling them to "use it or lose it."

Before the pandemic, Father Wade would welcome the congregation at 6.45pm, but is no longer able to host the church service at this time.

Instead, he is asking congregants to vote for a new time - either 8am or midday on a Sunday.