A VICAR will pull pints in a pub while an atheist landlord gives sermons in her church.

At first glance the jobs of Reverend Alja Tollefsen and Falcon Bearer licensee Trevor Brookes seem worlds apart.

But she believes swapping jobs for a day will prove how alike their roles really are.

"There are more things alike than you would think. Our jobs are the same because we're both agony aunts," she said.

"We speak to people about things like illness, death and family problems when it's raw there and then."

Mrs Tollefsen, 56, visits the Falcon Bearer in Longridge each month to chat to regulars. During a recent visit Mr Brookes said they could raise money for repairs at St Cross Church by swapping jobs.

"We had a glass together and the idea just sort of developed," said Mrs Tollefsen.

The vicar and landlord hope to swap jobs next month.

Froth

Last week Mr Brookes said he was unsure how good an atheist could be as a church leader.

"I don't even make a good barman, but it will be a bit of fun," he said.

However, Mrs Tollefsen has every faith in him.

She believes the landlord will inspire her congregation in Mobberley Road because he had many Christian qualities including being charitable and a good listener.

"He'll be alright because he's a very nice and a very caring man," she said.

Mrs Tollefsen is not too concerned about becoming a landlord because she once worked at a pub in Holland.

But last week she said pouring drinks in England could be different to pulling pints in her birthplace.

"In the Netherlands we do different pints of beer that have more froth," she said.

Mrs Tollefsen recently began visiting the Falcon Bearer because just two Longridge residents attended St Cross.

Last week she said church leaders should go into the community to teach people about Christianity.

"Jesus went out to the people," she said. Mrs Tollefsen is concerned that Longridge has unfairly got a bad reputation.

The mother-of-two said the majority of residents were honest, caring and welcoming people.

"It's a lovely crowd," she said.

"The problem is that Longridge has a bad name, but that's not what it is."

Each month Mrs Tollefsen has a chat, a pint of beer and a cigarette at the Falcon Bearer. Last week she said some people did not believe a vicar would do things such as smoke.

"It's bad for your health, but it's not a sin," she said.

St Cross hopes to raise money for brick and roof repairs, but officials do not know how much the work could cost.

To help call Mrs Tollefsen on 01565 632389.