MEASURES to help prevent the spread of swine flu  have been introduced at a Leytonstone church as fears over a pandemic grow.

During services at St John's Church, in Leytonstone High Road, ministers are no longer shaking hands with the congregation and special bins for used tissues have been introduced.

Reverend Raymond Draper, who is the vicar at St John's said: “This is advice from the archbishop.

“There are clear guidelines and we're taking them very seriously.”

Special hand gel has also been introduced around the church and hall and wine is no longer offered at communion as members of the congregation would have to share a chalice.

Rev Draper added: “The servers who prepare the altar will all be using hand gel. There is rigorous hand cleaning at every stage of the Eucharist.

“There are medical guidelines for how people should behave in church.”

Volunteers who help to prepare refreshments after services and at events at the church are also being asked to use the hand gel.

The infection is extremely contagious and can be passed on by touching contaminated surfaces.

In Waltham Forest, 30 schools were affected by swine flu, with both suspected and confirmed cases of the illness.

None of the schools closed as the Government has said the virus can no longer be contained.