IT WOULDN'T be a venue that springs to most people’s mind when they think of a romantic dinner with their partner.

But couples in Wallingford are being invited to a Valentine’s Day candlelit dinner in a church.

The newly refurbished St Mary le More is hosting a romantic dinner for two on Sunday, followed by tips on how couples can improve their relationships.

The meal, provided by the Old Post Office restaurant, will be accompanied by jazz pianist Maff Potts, with expert marital advice courtesy of the Marriage Course.

The course aims to help couples grow closer to each other and strengthen their relationship.

It has run at hundreds of venues across the UK since 1996, and various other churches in the town have hosted sessions since 2004.

Local course co-ordinator Helen Shephard said: “This Valentine’s dinner is a romantic night out that gives couples the opportunity to invest in their relationship as well as celebrating their love for each other.

“We want all our relationships to last a lifetime. We have found tools that can help couples build a strong marriage and to keep love alive their entire lives.”

Grahame McPherson, 38, who went on the course in 2004 with wife Sarah after a year of marriage, said: “It’s not something which is just for people who have problems in their marriage.

“It’s for any couple that wants to get more out of their life together. It was really helpful in clarifying the important issues when you get married. It makes you sit down as a couple and talk about things – your expectations from marriage, the in-laws, money, sex, stuff like that.”

The evening, open to any married or cohabiting couple, starts at 7.30pm and costs £15 per couple.

It is designed to give couples a taste of the full, seven-week long course, held at the church on Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 10pm, which they can sign up to if they wish.

For more details, email valentine@maryle more.co.uk or see the church's website.

  • Charity Banbury Christians Against Poverty is urging people to ditch expensive Valentine’s Day gifts and instead tell their partner ‘I love you’, for free, write a love poem or song or offer to do the household chores.