A CIRENCESTER vicar has issued a challenge to young men in the parish to propose to their girlfriends in church this weekend .

The Rev Leonard Doolan says he will be throwing open the doors of Cirencester Parish Church on Sunday to celebrate Valentine's Day and is inviting couple’s to become engaged inside the building and for married couples to renew their marriage vows.

"I challenge any young man to have the courage to pop the question in the church where they might be getting married," said Mr Doolan.

He added that the service was an opportunity to celebrate any kind of committed friendship, including same-sex relationships.

The one-hour service will begin at the parish church, Market Place at 6pm on Sunday, February 13.