Having more than 30 children to entertain would try the patience of a Saint but one couple thinks it's a blessing.

Steve and Christine Black have been running the Barleyfields Children's Church from their living room for the past four years, complete with Sunday school lessons.

And when school holidays arrive, their house can be packed with children who want something to do.

The couple, who are also educating both their children at home, arrange a host of religion-based activities.

They see their church efforts as a way of fulfilling their Christian duties, despite the exhausting school holidays rush when dozens can visit.

Christine said: "It's a children's church, we play, sing songs, do games and activities, work sheets, Bible lessons and everything you would find within a church.

"We have mums and dads in as well because we do not put any stipulation on it being just for children."

Self-employed carpet fitter Steve and Christine, both in their 40s, of Moore Close, Worthing, have been active Christians since their marriage in 1993.

Christine said: "It can be exhausting but the benefits are wonderful.

"We've been here five years in June and seen a change in some of the children, we've seen quite a few blossom."

Steve said: "Running the church has been worthwhile.

"But we love kids and we love what we are doing.

"When you become Christians, the Lord tells us to go and tell people and that's why we are here."

The couple decided to educate their children, Jonathan, eight, and Deborah, six, at home because they were unhappy with the choice of middle schools.

Christine said: "Jonathan and Deborah are not sheltered from the world but we wanted to bring our children up in the Christian faith.

"We had our first education check in November and we passed.

"They check they are both keeping up with the national average for maths, English and science but you do not have to follow the national curriculum."