A mini-golf course in the nave of a medieval English cathedral to encourage families to visit this summer is proving a match made in heaven - and controversy.

The nine-hole course blessing Rochester Cathedral in southern England, which dates back to AD604, has been drawing families since the miniature fairways were rolled out last week.

The course will stay in the cathedral throughout August, in the latest move by the Church of England to stem dwindling congregations in an increasingly secular Britain.

"The cathedral is full of people playing adventure golf," Rachel Phillips, one of the cathedral canons, told AFP as numerous families putted their way around the nave course.