A survey in North Chippenham has found that the majority of local people do believe in God.

The door-to-door survey was conducted last month by a team from four local churches as part of the GOD 4 U activity week and of the 500 people quizzed, 84 per cent had a belief in God, with over half indicating their belief was definite and unwavering.

Just over half (58 per cent) said they would describe Jesus Christ as the only son of God, with only seven per cent saying they thought Jesus Christ was a myth or legend.

Just over one in ten (11 per cent) said they believed in reincarnation, but the same number were certain that there was no life after death.

Around a third (29 per cent) had a belief in heaven.

But those surveyed were more divided on the issue of life after death, with more than a third (37 per cent) expressing uncertainties on this issue.

The biggest question those surveyed said required an answer was: "Why is there so much suffering in the world?"

The survey team also asked local people about their view of community needs and just over half (52 per cent) thought the top priority was more activities for children and young people.

One in six (17 per cent) thought help for the elderly should be a priority and others put the needs of families and single parents at the top of their list.

Team member Karin Needham said the survey was not intended as a scientific poll, but to gain a realistic idea of what people in Chippenham believe, whatever their religious background.

As a follow-up to the survey, churches have organised a series of discussion meetings for people wanting to explore the Christian faith, starting on May 12, on Wednesday evenings, at 7.30pm at St Pauls School, The Oaks, Chippenham. Details from (01249) 750452.

The churches involved in the GOD 4 U week were St Peter's, Langley Burrell, St Paul's, Chippenham, St Nicholas', Hardenhuish, and St Michael and All Angels, Kington St Michael.