A religious survey

A religious survey says the majority of churchgoers have little or no confidence in the EU.

The EU fails to inspire 80% of Christian worshippers which was ranked just above the political parties with 84%.

The press, meanwhile, came in with 92%, in the "little or no confidence" ratings.

In contrast the survey showed the armed forces enjoyed an 83% "much confidence" rating, with the police enjoying 80% support in the same category.

The findings were compiled by the group Churches Information for Mission from a questionnaire last April by more than 100,000 people aged 15 or over in around 2,000 churches in England.

The churches taking part included the Church of England, the Methodists and the Baptists as well as some of the new churches. Roman Catholics did not participate.

The research shows that the majority of churchgoers, 35%, would vote Tory if a general election was called "tomorrow", with 28% stating they would vote Labour and the Liberal Democrats attracting 23% of the vote.

The Green Party was indicated as the preference by 3%. A significant number, 7%, said they would not vote.

Alison Gelder, chief executive of the Churches Information for Mission, says the report highlights the concept of the "churched pound" - a group that marketing professionals ignore at their peril.

She said: "Churchgoers are a secret but valuable market sector that until now has not been properly researched and effectively marketed to."