The Strange Parallel World Of Christian Pop

From the early 1960s on, Britain's lively pop scene was inspiring a parallel world, inhabited by Christian beat groups.

In all aspects except lyrics, their records closely resembled the ones in the charts.

Some, like the Salvation Army's group, the Joystrings, had hits.

But the majority received very little airplay on UK radio, and groups relied on churches and coffee bars for live bookings.

When Paul Bayley began finding their old records in charity shops, he recognised the quality of the music.

Now, with the help of some of the original musicians, he tells their story.

Producer: Bob Dickinson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2008.