The Church of England is seen as an out-of-touch club full of old men with no dress sense - according to its own research.

The findings are part of a "listening programme" to help the Church understand the public's perception of itself.

Research groups were made up of people of differing geographical areas, ages and community backgrounds, and included churchgoers and non-churchgoers.

The study uncovered a lack of support from the young, who see the Church as a traditional club with nothing of interest for themselves.

The national perspective of the Church will disappoint local churches and undermine initiatives such as new services and community involvement, says the BBC's Richard Staples.

The Archbishops' Council will use the findings to work out ways to dispel club mentality, find better role models and speak with more impact.