Vast churches were built in Brighton and Hove during the reign of Queen Victoria when religious fervour was at its height.

But more than 100 years later, many of those great buildings stand almost empty with only tiny congregations attending each week.

A report being issued today by the Brighton and Hove Pastoral Review Steering Group will probably conclude 56 churches in the Brighton and Hove deaneries between Saltdean and Shoreham is far too many.

Some will have to close, including several of the most beautiful and best-known churches in the city.

Others will be adapted, as has happened to churches such as St Wilfrid's in Elm Grove and St Patrick's in Cambridge Road, Hove.

Closures will hit the headlines but the important part of the proposals is how the Church of England can meet the challenges of a new century.

Unless it can attract more people to attend services and take part in its work, the decline of the last century will continue.

Churches will come together and work with the whole community instead of being increasingly apart and isolated.

The recommendations will also save huge sums of money on staff and buildings which can be used more effectively than at present.

If the changes are agreed after consultation, the Church in Brighton and Hove will look radically different from today.