AN INTER-CHURCH network will bring its mission to a close after 25 years at the end of the month.

SHINE will cease its work on April 30 having operated under its current and previous guises since 1991.

The organisation became a charity in 1997 and has helped develop inter-church communications and mission and community-based projects as well as providing a major prayer network for the borough.

Philip Fell of SHINE said: "The current board just felt that times had changed and churches work slightly differently.

"There aren't as many clergy and SHINE was highly dependent on clergy. It was time to say we've done as much as we can do. Churches will continue to work together and it probably doesn't need an organisation and it's time for a new era."

Philip added: "There's a lot of people that have gone before us and other boroughs look at the churches' relationships and are quite envious of what we've seen develop.

"Relationships will continue, there's been a lot of good work but sometimes you've got to call it a day and it's time for something new to emerge."

A statement from SHINE added: "Nothing could have been achieved without the support of churches, church and other Christian leaders and their people, through prayer, financial support and provision of people and energy. Many people have volunteered willingly in serving the town for which we must be grateful.

"SHINE has played a major part in developing close relationships between churches and the local Council and other local agencies.

"The board remains confident that the people of the Christian Churches will continue to work together for the good of St Helens Borough."