At a time when many Brighton and Hove churches face closure because of dwindling congregations, religious leaders are having to think outside the pulpit.

They could do worse than follow the example of St John the Baptist in Hove.

Conscious of the perception many have of churches being old-fashioned and out of touch, worshippers there have made brave steps to try to alter that image.

They transformed half the Grade II-listed church into a deconsecrated community centre, offering meeting rooms, a cafe and space for charities.

The change has revitalised the other half of the building, still used as a place of worship and now attracting larger congregations.

This is good news, especially when the church's very survival had been at stake just a few years earlier, when attendances were low and maintenance costs were high.

The community centre plan had its opponents but surely few would criticise now, with groups from all sections of the community finding a home there.

Appropriately enough, the base is called the Cornerstone Community Centre.

It stands as an inspiring example of how a church can thrive as the cornerstone of its community.