A VICAR who had the chance to tell jokes on national television hopes it could lead to more religious figures being involved in comedy in the future.

Rev John Steele, of the United Reformed Church in Cutty’s Lane, Stevenage, and Trinity Church in Knebworth, appeared on BBC4 programme Some Vicars With Jokes last year but the footage was broadcast for the first time last month.

He said: “I really enjoyed getting the chance to tell all these jokes I have collected over the years. I’ve had a lot of experience as a compere, hosting various events in the local area. It would certainly be a good idea to do something like this for charity in the future.”

Fellow clergyman Rev Jim Pye, of St Martin’s Church in Knebworth, might be doing just that. He has emailed a number of religious leaders from the area to suggest they get together to tell jokes in a charity show.

Rev Steele said: “I think it would be a lot of fun to get a group of us together to share silly stories for a good cause. Some may not be interested because they feel it’s beneath them but if it’s for a good cause, I can’t see why not.”