A vicar who advised people to celebrate Easter by staying in bed, eating chocolate and having sex saw his congregation rise dramatically today.

Father Phil Ritchie, of All Saints in Hove, hit national headlines after giving the unusual Easter message to Argus on Friday.

He said: “So why not stay at home, have a lie in, have sex and eat some chocolate.”

Today about 300 people attended his church service.

This is an increase of about 100 on last Sunday.

Father Phil said he did not blame The Argus for publishing his “slightly unguarded” advice, despite national and international news outlets picking it up.

He started his service by saying: “I know that some of you would think I had other things to do, given the advice I gave.

“I'm pleased you did not follow my advice and are here.”

He said although a few older members of his congregation were disappointed in what he said, mainly people had been very positive regarding his words of wisdom.

He said: “Generally my advice brought a lot of joy and happiness to people.

“I think most people took it in the light-hearted way that it was intended.

“But I am going to stop giving advice for a while - I am going on holiday.”