The average person in England is less than a mile away from a service at their local Anglican church this Christmas, according to the Church of England.

More than 56,000 services during the Christmas period have been listed on www.AChurchNearYou.com, a mobile phone-friendly website enabling people to find church services across the country.

The site uses geo-location technology to show users the exact location of their nearest Church of England church, with up-to-date details of services and other facilities.

Users enter a postcode or press 'find' to use their current location.

Four Christmas services will be taking place on average in each of the Church of England's 12,500 parishes, according to the figures, with nearly 28,000 carol services registered and 1,000 nativity services.

Many churches will offer seasonal refreshments after the carols – 4,472 services will celebrate with mulled wine and 6,653 will share around the mince pies.

The website is part of the Church of England's Renewal and Reform strategy for sharing the Christian faith on digital and social media.

Three #GodWithUs Christmas films released by the Church of England showing Christmas services at All Saints Church in High Wycombe, Bucks, have already been viewed over 700,000 times.

Adrian Harris, head of digital communications for the CofE, said: 'Experience the true joy of Christmas by being welcomed into your local church over the festive season.

'Our brand new, mobile first website allows people across the country to find services and events nearby as we head towards Christmas Day and mark the birth of Jesus Christ, who is God with us.'