A Bearsted church is hoping to deliver mass to the masses, after setting up its own live internet broadcasts.

From the first Sunday of Advent, services from St Peter’s in Button Lane will be beamed directly into the homes of parishioners who cannot attend in person.

The idea, dubbed PewTube, first came about to help reach worshippers who were elderly or infirm.

But it quickly became apparent the broadcasts could open the Catholic church up to a much wider congregation, both near and far.

The services, including Sunday and weekday mass and feast days, will be broadcast in real time on video-sharing website YouTube and will be available to watch anytime afterwards.

Church officials are also hoping to film special occasions like weddings, in a bid to allow distant friends and relatives to feel they are part of the ceremony.

Parish priest, father Geoffrey Pointer, is hoping it will boost the size of the congregation, which currently stands at around 150 members.

He said: “I’m interested in technology and think we can use it to help get our message across without making people feel confronted.

“Sometimes you just want to have a look at what goes on without entering a church and this offers that to people.

“I don’t know how many people will watch, but I hope it will get more people involved in the church, as anybody anywhere can access it.”

Among the first to take up the internet broadcast of church services was the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams who used the web in a bid to curb declining attendances in the Church of England, and make religion more relevant to younger generations.

Church member Terry Kinsman, who helped to set up the broadcast, added: “We don’t expect to rival Strictly, but if you would like to join with us in this prayerful way, our church is just a click away.”

To watch a service, starting from Sunday, November 29, visit Catholic Parish of Saint Peter's website or search on YouTube.