Couples are spurning romantic candlelit meals out to celebrate Valentine's night in a Bradford church.

Clergy at St John's Church in Great Horton have put together an evening of marriage enrichment called It's Good to Talk.

It will use slides, videos, music and guest speakers to put over good advice about sustaining a happy marriage.

Couples will also be encouraged to take part in role play.

The Reverend Steve Allen said: "A buffet with wine will be on offer half way through the evening to ensure that it is a good night out. At the end everyone is given a pack with fact sheets and further reading information for use after the event."

He added: "It's all about making marriages better."

The event, staged for the first time last year, was originally aimed at regular members of the church.

This time organisers are hoping to attract people from outside the parish.

Mr Allen decided to host the evening after reading a book which contained the comment "when a church does nothing to nurture the marriages of its own members, how can it claim innocence when these marriages fall apart?".

Comments from couples who went to last year's Valentine's Day event included: "The evening was in no way intimidating ... the points raised were not just for those with marital problems, they also served as a reminder to those who may have been complacent because they felt no need of guidance. The message was relevant to all in today's society."

Another couple said: "Even though the subject was serious the whole evening was relaxed, even amusing at times. It was a worthwhile and enjoyable evening."

It's Good to Talk is open to any married or engaged couples but they must go along together.

It takes place at 7.15pm on Saturday, February 14. Tickets which admit two people cost £7 and are available from Trish King, 60 Ascot Drive, Bradford, BD7 4NN. The church requests cheques are sent made payable to St John's, Great Horton.

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