More than 100 churches have been nominated to take part in a national donation project – which is set to be piloted in the Diocese of Carlisle.

Clergy and parochial church council (PCC) treasurers have this week been updated on the scheme, which will see about 115 Anglican churches receive a free contactless giving unit.

Monthly charges will not be charged for the first year, although a small commission will be deducted by the payments processor from each donation, with some units costing £10 per month after this time.

Most churches taking part will receive one of two units, subject to wi-fi availability and whether the unit will be left unattended in church.

It is hoped the contactless units will be installed by late May, and the Church of England’s National Giving team will support churches throughout the Carlisle-based pilot.

The National team has so fra found that contactless donations are, on average, three times the value of cash donations, making this pilot an exciting opportunity for churches as they work towards fully reopening their buildings.

Mission Community Leadership teams have nominated the majority of churches, with just a few places left up for grabs.

To register your church to take part in the scheme, call the Diocese of Carlisle group on 01768 807777.