While other Christian figures have recently criticised the Republican over his US travel ban affecting seven Muslim-majority nations and his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Mr Graham said he “applauded” Mr Trump.

Speaking to Fox News to mark one year since Mr Trump’s inauguration, he said: “President Trump has been defending Christians and I find this refreshing; to have a president who’s not afraid to say ‘Jesus’.

“He’s not afraid to have prayers where people pray in the name of Jesus; we’ve never had this – not in my lifetime.

“He defends the Christian faith more than any president in my lifetime.”

.@Franklin_Graham: “[@realDonaldTrump] defends the christian faith more than any president in my lifetime.” pic.twitter.com/PW572jdHp2

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 21, 2018

Graham’s fresh endorsement came after Donald Trump drew praise from Christian campaigners on Thursday when he announced a new division at the US Department of Health to help ensure hospitals and clinics are respecting the religious beliefs of doctors and nurses.

Franklin Graham also accused left-wing figures of “trying to destory” the US President, adding that Trump has been attacked since “day one” and “we need to pray for this man”.

He added: “He’s not president perfect; he’s got his flaws like we all do but he is certainly trying to fix this nation so it’ll be better for my…

St James at Brownhills opened its doors at 8.30am on Tuesday in response to shock at the stabbing to death of Mylee Billingham.

The schoolgirl was found with knife wounds at a bungalow in Brownhills near Walsall on Saturday; she later died in hospital.

Vicar, Rev Dave Bishop told Premier: “It’s had a massive impact on the community, a devasting sense of lose, grief, all sorts of emotions…”

“We want to feel that we can do something to support the community, so we’ve decided to open the church today so that members of the community can come into church, have a few minutes of silence, say their own prayers, maybe light a candle.”

Mylee’s father, 54-year-old Bill Billingham, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Saturday, soon after publishing a photo of his daughter on social media.

He was found with stab wounds to his stomach and is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital after undergoing surgey.

Officers have been unable to speak with Mr Billingham because he has been under sedation.

West Midlands police said a post-mortem examination on the body of Mylee had taken place and officers are awaiting the results.

Click here to listen to Rev Dave Bishop:

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The singer and TV presenter, 47, who found fame at the age of 12 with his top five Christmas hit Walking In The Air, was not on air while the BBC investigated complaints about him.

A statement from his spokesman said that Jones “has given his assurance” that his past behaviour “will never be repeated”.

The spokesman said: “About three months ago Aled voluntarily agreed to step away from his presenting commitments whilst the organisation conducted a review.

“Aled was devastated to learn that some of his past behaviour outside the BBC had caused distress to others.

“He deeply regrets this behaviour and is very sorry for the hurt it has caused. Aled has given his assurance that it will never be repeated.

“Aled will now continue with his roles at the BBC. There will be no further comment.”

A BBC spokesman said: “As Aled has previously confirmed, over recent weeks the BBC has been considering complaints about his past behaviour. During this period, Aled has not been presenting on the BBC.

“While the behaviour under review was not related to his work with the BBC, Aled recognises it was inappropriate and caused real distress to others.

“He has apologised for this and assured the BBC that there will be no repeat of this behaviour in future.

“We can confirm that Aled Jones will be resuming his radio and television presenting roles with the BBC over the coming weeks.”

The former…

Armfield, who was a former Blackpool footballer, England’s captain, a manager and broadcaster died after a battle with cancer.

He has been remembered as an active member St Peter’s Church in Blackpool where he was an organist, choirmaster and treasurer. In 2001, Armfield also became a lay Canon of Blackburn Cathedral.

Rt Rev Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn, said: “He has been a great supporter of The Church of England in Lancashire and especially his local church where he played the organ for many years.

“Jimmy had an astonishing career and he was very committed as a Christian. So, at this difficult time we join with, and pray for, Jimmy’s family and the congregation of Blackpool St Peter in mourning his death.”

Rt Rev Nicholas Reade, the retired Bishop of Blackburn, knew Armfield well and remembered him as a welcoming person.

He said: “I am so sad today – Jimmy Armfield was one of the first people to welcome me to the Diocese when I arrived in 2004 and I will always remember his warm smile and warm handshake; his hospitality and generosity.

“His Christian faith was very important to him and helped him through the difficult times as well as the good times.”

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