A MID-Victorian church dating from 1888 has hit the market for just £40,000.

Located in the centre of Silloth, on Wampool Street, the building may be used for either living or business purposes - subject to relevant planning - but is only available to cash buyers.

The church is the latest in a long line of these religious buildings going on the market following a decline in the number of people attending regular services. And the issue of a surplus of churches goes back a long way.

Even as large churches were being built in the 19th century, there were not enough parishioners to fill them.

Speaking on the subject at the end of last year, the Venerable Richard Pratt, Archdeacon of West Cumbria, took a pragmatic view of the sell-offs, pointing out that it made little sense to retain church buildings when they were far from fully used and when alternative worship venues were available.

But he also added that a key point is that a church is its community of believers, bound together by shared beliefs and values - not simply a building.

The Silloth church is next to a variety of convenience stores and food outlets, as well as being within walking distance from Silloth Green and the coastal promenade.

The chapel has ten frosted windows and one decorated and leaded frosted window.

Outside there are gravelled and concrete gardens to the front and side enclosed by a low wall with metal railings. To the rear is a further concrete area with gated access, formerly the Wesleyan Sunday School.