A RECTOR’S idea to hand out £450 of his own money to parishioners to invest has taken off.

The Examiner reported last week how the Rev Richard Steel, of Kirkheaton Parish Church, was offering £10 to people at Sunday’s services to invest.

And he’s been overwhelmed with the response – 45 people have now received £10 each with money-making ideas ranging from organising walks to baking and buying and selling on eBay.

Since the Examiner’s story, the Rev Steel’s idea has captured the national media’s attention, leading to more interest.

He said: “One man from Herefordshire phoned me up and donated £20 just because he liked the idea. Others have offered their support – it’s really captured people’s imagination and attention.”

The Rev Steel took his cue from the Parable of the Talents where Jesus tells the story of a man who entrusts money to his servants.

People have until Easter to put their idea into action and return with the profits which will go towards church repairs.

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