The local branch of the Message Christian Telephone Service started in Hove in 1973, inspired by the founder of Message nationally, the late Norah Coggan, sister of Archbishop Donald Coggan.

For almost 30 years, the service has provided a two-minute Christian telephone message to anyone in need.

The answering equipment, which responds with a new message every day, has been housed for most of that time in Bishop Hannington Church, Hove.

Calls made to the Hove Message telephone number have generally been between five and 15 a day.

With recent developments in technology, Message has now gone "national", using a memorable telephone number that spells out M for Message on the telephone keypad.

Try it for yourself - after 0870, the numbers are 741 5 369, which trace out the shape of the M. This is a national rate number, not charged at a higher premium rate, which can you call at any time of day or night.

You will be able to listen to a two-minute Bible-based message of encouragement and, at the end of it, a further telephone number is given if you want to speak directly with a sympathetic Christian friend.

-Peter J Bates, Treasurer of National Message and Chairman of Hove branch