A YOGA instructor is shocked by the narrow-minded attitude of the church after her classes were banned because they are 'against its religion'.

Former Sunday school teacher Gwendoline Davina has been told she can no longer hold them in St Michael's Church hall in Melksham.

The Reverend Derek Smith said Britain's fastest-growing fitness trend is not Christian because of its links with the Hindu faith.

Mrs Davina, who had been holding the classes in the hall for six months, said: "I'm sad about their attitude to yoga. I'm especially sad because many of my students are Christian churchgoers, and now they've been asked to re-examine their consciences.

"It's a medieval, narrow-minded attitude and there is a danger that they will start to alienate people who are Christians."

As well as being opposed to this gentle form of exercise, Mr Smith is also planning to axe other activities which conflict with his faith, including self-defence classes and Halloween parties.

He said: "I believe it is a betrayal of Christianity, and probably of other faiths too. Spiritual activities like yoga are bound up with a faith which is incompatible with the central beliefs of the Christian faith.

"It's important that people know about this, as they shouldn't be deceived."

Team vicar Rev Martin Kuhrt has backed the decision. He said: "Some may think that we as a church are being intolerant and narrow-minded, and unnecessarily harming our image in Melksham by this decision.

"We are saddened that some church members are upset by the decision. However, our first duty is to be loyal to Christ our Saviour."

The Church of England has defended Rev Smith's controversial decision to ban the yoga classes.

A Church House spokesman backed the right of clergymen to take a stand against any practises which do not square with Christian teachings.

He said: "Yoga is used as a kind of generic term for exercise and stretching, but there are many different types of yoga. But some have a more spiritual basis as handed down from Eastern religions.

"It's reasonably understandable that someone can say so if they don't want something with a spiritual basis taught in their church hall."

Yoga enthusiasts were angered by the move, which appears to be a growing trend. Last November a vicar in Henham, Essex, took the same step.

The British Wheel of Yoga, the governing body recognised by Sport England, condemned Mr Smith's action as ignorant.

Spokeswoman Jane Hill said: "It's not a religion and it doesn't push any version of one. I don't think it will affect his flock. He should have a bit more of an open mind."