Mission Leaves Town

But the restructuring of fundraising activities due to rising costs has meant the shop and office have had to be closed.

The society's secretary general Canon Bill Christianson, however, was keen to reassure supporters that it was very much business as usual.

"The re-organisation means we will be able to operate in a more cost-effective and efficient way so that more of the money raised through the hard work of our supporters can go to the help of seafarers," he said.

Continually rising costs and the need to raise further funds for the work of the Anglican Church has forced the changes.

The mission has an annual budget of more than 3m and the society decided the changes were essential in maintaining the Mission's ministry to seafarers through its chaplains and staff in ports.

The good news for supporters and volunteers in Littlehampton is that they will still be looked after through the central office in London.

Formerly known as The Missions to Seamen, The Mission to Seafarers was set up in 1856 to care for the spiritual and practival welfare of seafarers of all races and creeds.

It works through a network of chaplains, honorary chaplains, lay staff and volunteers in 300 ports worldwide, who visit seafarers on their ships to provide a welcome and friendship and to offer whatever help is needed.

Supporters in Littlehampton, who would like to contact the mission's office in London can do so by calling 0870 777 5400.