The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics data shows 37,800 people aged under 40 in St Helens selected that they identified as believing in "no religion" (45%).

Humanists UK, which campaigned for people to tick "no religion" on the survey in March 2021, said the recent figures – which showed a rise in people under the age of 40 stating they are non-religious – make it clear that the nation faces a "non-religious future".

However, Christianity was still the top religion with 40,900 under-40s (48%) selecting the faith.

In the previous census in 2011, 72% of the age group selected Christianity and 22% opted for no religion.

However, Christianity was still the top religion with 40,900 under-40s (48%) selecting the faith.

In the previous census in 2011, 72% of the age group selected Christianity and 22% opted for no religion.

St Helens is in contrast to the trend seen across England and Wales, where "no religion" was the most selected option for under-40s. It's the first time Christianity did not hold the top spot for an age group.

The Star asked Reverend Rachel Shuttleworth, a vicar based at St Helens Parish Church, her thoughts on the latest figures.

She said: “In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says this: ‘are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’ 

“'Religion' as an idea can be off putting because it’s about an institution, rules and regulations, which people, especially younger people are more suspicious of nowadays.

“So, I'm not surprised by statistics saying that increasing numbers of young people are not identifying with religion. 

“But, ideas like justice, wellbeing, love, community - these are all things in my experience that young people have loads to say about, and care deeply about. And so does God. 

“The challenge for people like me and my friends who are part of the 'religion' institution is to not get in the way of God. God is the most interesting thing about religion anyway.”

The ONS said: “Many factors can cause changes in the size of religious groups, including changing age structure, people relocating for work or education, and differences in the way individuals chose to self-identify (or how children’s religious affiliation was reported) between censuses.”

The new census figures also show women in St Helens were more likely to be religious. About 67% of women in the area chose a religion while 61% of men did.