A church has been accused of "ripping off" children who are preparing for their first Holy Communion.

Seven and eight-year-olds attending St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Surrenden Road, Brighton, are being charged £25 for their first communion booklets.

Parents are angry at the fee and say nearby churches charge much less.

But the parish priest denied the church was overcharging youngsters.

First communion is received by children around the age of seven or eight, when they have reached the "age of reason".

The rite of passage means youngsters can take mass and is seen as an important part of their religious development.

The children and parent's booklets are produced to guide parishioners thorough the process and are later treasured as a keepsake.

One 33-year-old parent, who did not want to be named, said: "The church should not be making a profit out of these books. The priest says it is to cover administration charges but other churches don't charge this much.

"I just think it is exploiting the parents. I know a lot of people are angry about it. It's a rip off."

Father Oliver Heaney, St Mary's parish priest, said: "I'm not sure what this fuss is all about. A couple of parents have mentioned it but on the whole they are generally very supportive.

"The books are lovely. We get them for £6.50 and that is a reduced price. The £25 covers both books, and ten small commemorative books for family members.

"It also takes into account all our administration costs such as photocopying and paper, pens and crayons we need to buy.

"They don't have to buy the books from us of course. This is a storm in a teacup."

First communion is traditionally an important festive occasion for Catholic families, with large gatherings and parties held to celebrate.

Father John Hull, priest at the St Thomas More church in nearby Braybon Avenue, said he prices booklets at £5 each and the parish picks up the cost if parents cannot afford to pay.

He added: "We charge £5 for the children's book and the same for the parents' book. Charging £25 does seem a little high, but there may well be other costs taken into account. It is a matter for each church to decide."

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