These figures will strengthen the case of those who have campaigned for an end to the "glass ceiling" for female clergy by allowing them to become bishops.

The overall total of 564 men and women being recommended to train as future clergy in the Church of England in 2004 is the highest number in six years. The figure represents an increase of more than 10 percent over the 505 recommended in 2003. It has only twice been exceeded in the last 20 years: in 1986 and 1998.

There were 51 selection conferences last year, attended by 727 candidates testing their vocations. This year is expected to see 52 selection conferences with more than 740 candidates.

The increase in 2004 was among candidates in the 50-plus age bracket, where recommendations rose from 150 in 2003 to 210.

A Church spokesman put the encouraging figures down to a more pro-active approach by dioceses to recruiting people for the priesthood.

The Ministry Division is starting a young vocations initiative. This will include teams of clergy and ordinands in their 20s giving presentations in parishes or Higher and Further Education chaplaincies, taking stalls at university careers fairs and encouraging incumbents and chaplains to actively recruit.

"Attracting young people to ordained ministry is key for the Church's present and future mission and ministry," said the Rt Rev John Gladwin, Bishop of Chelmsford, who chairs the Ministry Division. "What young people may sometimes lack in terms of experience they more than make up for in terms of energy and potential."

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