A ‘PRAY and display’ service is being used by shoppers at the ASDA supermarket in Broadstairs. Customers can leave messages and requests on a large church-shaped board that was built by members of staff and is situated behind the checkouts.

Store chaplain Alison Duff collects their requests three times a week and they are kept in the Lady Chapel of her church, St Andrew’s at Reading Street, Broadstairs.

She said: “The board was put up six weeks ago and it is extremely popular. I get about 20 requests a week covering all sorts of topics. I always say my ASDA prayers at the church on a Monday and a Thursday. I have been store chaplain since ASDA opened in Broadstairs two years ago and I am often in and around the store. I offer counselling to staff and I found that shoppers would stop and chat and then ask me to say a special prayer.

“The idea of the board was the logical extension from that and it has proved so popular that other ASDA stores in Kent have followed our lead. I am a firm believer in taking my ministry to the community. A superstore is a natural gathering place for all types of people from all walks of life. It is a busy and thriving social centre - and that’s where I believe my work can do a lot of good.”

She said that customers use the church board - which has no cross as it is multi-denominational and multi-cultural as well - in the same way that would pin up notes on an advertising board.

A spokeswoman for the store said: “We are always delighted to see Rev Duff and she has become an integral part of our lives. We are pleased that the church board has been so popular. It is another example of our community approach.”