Birmingham Cathedral says the new bars - which will sell genuine wines rather than the 'converted water' variety - will help them reach the wider community.

Each of the bars will feature stained-glass windows, pictures based on a religious theme and be decorated in 'episcopal purple'.

A spokesperson for the cathedral said money raised by selling booze would be pumped into maintaining the building and paying for evangelistic work.

The cathedral is also planning on introducing a 'loyalty card' which would give regular worshippers discounts at local shops ... and presumably a guaranteed place in heaven.