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You'd be wrong if you bet on it.

Most of those who entered the building were embarrassed by the sleeping tramp that cluttered up their pristine entry. Not one personr took the time to say a kind word to the man.

That man was the church's pastor, Reverend Derek Rigby wearing a wig and torn clothes. He had told the members of his congregation he would be late to services. Only one member knew the plan in case someone called 999.

Rigby didn't shave for three days to add to the overall appearance of homelessness. Pouring lager on the clothes also added to the image.

"When I got to the church I arranged a couple of cans and some plastic syringes, without needles, which I have at home for the dog. It gave the impression of a real down and out."

He added in an interview with the BBC: "None of them spoke to me, apart from a few who told me off and told me to get away from their cars, which they kept checking.

He waited until the children had left for Sunday School classes to reveal himself to the members of the church. The members who ignored the bum now were shocked at knowing how they treated a man of the cloth.

Mr Rigby said he had intended to communicate a "serious message of acceptance in an emotive way", and used the example of the Disciples not recognising Jesus on the road to Emmaus after his resurrection.

This was the third church where Pastor Rigby taught this sermon. It is the first of those churches though to ignore a person because of their appearance. In London and Newport congregations had acted differently.

He added: "I told them they were stingy because I had been given as much as £4.50, a packet of biscuits and a blanket in the other places, but in Prestatyn I got nothing.

"Although, I'm sure that wouldn't happen again."