THE Bishop of Worcester has welcomed a study which shows that more young people are active Christians than previously thought.

One in six young people are now practising Christians, according to a ComRes study commissioned by the Christian group HOPE Revolution.

The research also found that more than 21 per cent of children aged between 11 and 18 are active followers of Jesus.

It also highlighted that 13 per cent of teenagers became Christians after visiting a church or cathedral.

Some believe that the figures show more youngsters are converting to the religion after visiting new church buildings.

The Rt Reverend Dr John Inge, the lead bishop for church buildings, said: "This new survey shows what should not be a surprise.

"These buildings inspire. They inspire to faith, the faith of our forbears which has given us most of what is of value in our society.

"That faith retains the power to transform individual lives and whole communities for good and for God.

"What a blessing that it speaks to young people through our churches."

The study was carried out in December and has torn-up previous work which found that youth church attendance was far lower.

The Church of England is responsible for 16,000 parish churches.