Charity registration number 803600
CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | J.M. Wendon |
|---|---|
| K. Martin | |
| B. Martin | |
| A. Millett | |
| C. Ogwok | |
| A. Wendon | |
| Charity number | 803600 |
| Registered office | Swallow House |
| 122 Fairfax Road | |
| Teddington | |
| Middlesex | |
| TW11 9BS | |
| Independent examiner | HB Accountants |
| 28 Plumpton House | |
| Plumpton Road | |
| Hoddesdon | |
| Hertfordshire | |
| EN11 0LB |
CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 12 |
CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the Trust's Deed, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The objects of the Trust are to promote the Christian faith; to organise, sponsor and promote Christian churches in the U.K.; to relieve poverty; and to promote education in the context of the Christian faith. The trustees are satisfied that relief of poverty is within the benefit requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and that the other objects are within the public benefit requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
The trustees are also satisfied that the decisions and gifts that have been made during this reporting year also meet the requirements of benefit and public benefit. The general grant making activities of the Trust consist of giving money to causes that fall within the objects of the Trust.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Trust should undertake.
The general grant making activities of the Trust consist of giving money to causes that fall within the objects of the Trust.
Achievements and performance
The Trust continued to support COTLG with both its running and outreach costs. The Trust continued its policy of giving 10% of its income split between various beneficiaries who fall within the Objects. This year’s recipients were Open Doors (OD), Living Hope Ministries (LHM), The Riverbank Trust (TRT), Kick London (KL), Reaching the World (RTW) and Mission Guatemala. OD is an organisation that supports persecuted Christian in different parts of the world and provides disaster relief for poor people. LHM is an evangelical outreach organisation that preaches the gospel in the UK and abroad. RTW is a ministry that works primarily in Myanmar with orphans and training ministers of the gospel. TRT is a Christian charity which seeks to love, support and befriend vulnerable single mums and their families in the London Borough of Richmond. KL is a charity that engages young people in London with sports activities to help them become productive individuals as they encounter the gospel message. Mission Guatemala is a family based Christian mission which runs a Christian school, church and refuge centre in Guatemala promoting the Gospel through outreach, social care to the poor and vulnerable, and sport.
Gifts were also made to support a Christian phone ministry to Sierra Leone. A gift was sent to Grace Point Ministries in Eldoret, Kenya to help with providing water to the people in that area. In addition, gifts were made to Christian ministers: Mission 24 (Valley Life Trust), LHM, RTW, Jonathan Stanfield who is based in the Isle of Man, Miro Toth in Slovakia and Luke Vardy. Gifts were also made to a small church in Kenilworth called Word of Life (WOL) and to a minister in India, to support the education of one of his children
The Trustees are satisfied that all of the above gifts satisfy the applicable requirements of the Charities Act 2011 regarding benefit and public benefit.
The Trust is continuing to retain a fund for a more permanent building for COTLG when a suitable one has been found, or if none is available, a rental property for helping those in need, i.e. refugees, victims of domestic violence and vulnerable adults.
Financial review
The trustees consider the result for the year to be good. Total income increased from £72,642 to £88,495. Gifts paid were £64,464 compared with £53,377 for last year. Support and governance costs increased from £1,832 to £2,565. As a result, the net surplus for the year was £21,466 as compared with £17,433 last year. The finances remain strong with total funds being £524,446 versus £502,980 last year.
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the Trust that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to six month’s normal expenditure, currently around £50,000. They see no reason to adjust or change this policy. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Trust’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Investment policy
Under the Trust Deed, the Trust has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit.
Major risks
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: J.M. Wendon
K. Martin
B. Martin
A. Millett C. Ogwok A. Wendon V. Matthews (Resigned 31 December 2023)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Trustees are appointed from within the membership of the Church of the Living God by its Elders after they have examined the appointee's character and Christian walk over a period of time.
The Trust maintains a "Welcome Pack" that includes an introduction to the Trust and its governing deed, as well as a copy of the Trust Deed, a summary of its objects and key procedures; an outline of the responsibilities of all of the trustees as well as those of the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary; together with a "Trust Calendar" that sets out the meeting dates and regular matters to be considered. Also included in the Welcome Pack are the Charities Commission's "Hallmark of an Effective Charity at a Glance", "Being a Trustee" and "Guidance on Public Benefit" as well as a summary of the Public Benefit guidance.
Organisational structure
The trustees meet throughout the year to oversee and administer the running and direction of the Trust in accordance with its objects and the benefit and public requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
All of the trustees give their time freely and none of them receive any remuneration.
In the event that any decision could involve a conflict of interest, it is the policy of the Trust to require the affected trustee to withdraw from any part of the discussion.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
.............................. J.M. Wendon Trustee
Date: .............................................
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Church of the Living God Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
HB Accountants
28 Plumpton House Plumpton Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 0LB
Dated: .........................
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Current financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted funds funds funds general Building Fund 2023 2023 2023 Notes £ £ £ Income from: Voluntary income 3 60,535 - 14,610 Investments 4 13,350 - - Total income 73,885 - 14,610 Charitable activities 5 52,006 - 15,023 Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds 21,879 - (413) Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 January 2023 97,193 400,000 5,787 Fund balances at 31 December 2023 119,072 400,000 5,374 |
Total 2023 £ 75,145 13,350 88,495 67,029 21,466 502,980 524,446 |
Total 2022 £ 68,265 4,377 |
|---|---|---|
| 72,642 | ||
| 55,209 | ||
| 17,433 485,547 |
||
| 502,980 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
| Prior financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted funds funds funds general Building Fund 2022 2022 2022 Notes £ £ £ Income from: Voluntary income 3 56,733 - 11,532 Investments 4 4,377 - - Total income 61,110 - 11,532 Charitable activities 5 44,078 - 11,131 Net income and movement in funds 17,032 - 401 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 January 2022 80,161 400,000 5,386 Fund balances at 31 December 2022 97,193 400,000 5,787 |
Total 2022 £ 68,265 4,377 |
|---|---|
| 72,642 | |
| 55,209 | |
| 17,433 485,547 |
|
| 502,980 |
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Notes Current assets Debtors 11 Investments 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets The funds of the Trust Restricted income funds 14 Unrestricted funds - general Unrestricted funds - Building Fund 15 |
2023 £ 3,529 435,917 93,330 532,776 8,330 |
£ 524,446 5,374 119,072 400,000 524,446 |
2022 £ 3,192 422,567 82,045 507,804 4,824 |
£ 502,980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,787 97,193 400,000 |
||||
| 502,980 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................
.............................. J.M. Wendon Trustee
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Church of the Living God Trust is a Trust.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Trust's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Trust. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Trust.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Offerings and gifts are recognised on receipt.
Income tax recoverable in relation to offerings and gifts received is recognised at the time of the offerings and gifts.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Trust has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies (continued)
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.7 Financial instruments
The Trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Trust's balance sheet when the Trust becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Trust’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3 Voluntary income
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 £ £ Offerings and gifts received 48,623 11,859 Income tax recoverable 11,912 2,751 60,535 14,610 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2022 2022 £ £ £ 60,482 45,535 9,520 14,663 11,198 2,012 75,145 56,733 11,532 |
Total 2022 £ 55,055 13,210 |
|---|---|---|
| 68,265 |
4 Income from investments
| 4 | Income from investments | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 13,350 | 4,377 | |
| 5 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | |||
| Grant funding of activities (see note 6) | 64,464 | 53,377 | |
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 7) | |||
| Support | 525 | 152 | |
| Governance | 2,040 | 1,680 | |
| 67,029 | 55,209 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds - general | 52,006 | 44,078 | |
| Restricted funds | 15,023 | 11,131 | |
| 67,029 | 55,209 |
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6 Grants payable
| Grants to institutions: Church of the Living God Open Doors Reaching the World Ministries Kick London Living Hope Ministries Word of Life Church Valley Life Trust Porchester Free Church Riverbank Trust Ignite Ministries Grants to individuals |
2023 £ 37,058 1,652 2,488 1,180 3,052 1,048 9,220 504 1,786 2,148 60,136 4,328 64,464 |
2023 £ 33,332 2,023 3,117 1,059 1,807 1,117 4,773 568 605 1,433 |
|---|---|---|
| 49,834 3,543 |
||
| 53,377 |
Gifts payable comprise £62,401 (2022: £50,272) given for the advancement of the gospel, £500 (2022: £1,605) for the relief of poverty and £1,563 (2022: £1,500) for the advancement of education.
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7 Support costs allocated to activities
| Support costs allocated to activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sundry expenses Governance costs |
2023 £ 525 2,040 2,565 |
2022 £ 152 1,680 |
| 1,832 |
8 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Trust during the year.
9 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
9 Employees (continued)
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
11 Debtors
| Amounts falling due within one year: Income tax recoverable 12 Current asset investments Bank deposit account 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income |
2023 £ 3,529 2023 £ 435,917 2023 £ 8,330 |
2022 £ 3,192 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 £ 422,567 |
||
| 2022 £ 4,824 |
14 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At | 1 | January | Incoming | Resources At |
31 | December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | resources | expended | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Christian ministries | 413 | 13,047 | (13,460) | - | |||
| Poverty | - | 1,563 | (1,563) | - | |||
| Building fund | 5,374 | - | - | 5,374 | |||
| 5,787 | 14,610 | (15,023) | 5,374 |
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
14 Restricted funds (continued)
| Previous year: | At 1 January | Incoming | Resources At 31 December |
Resources At 31 December |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | resources | expended | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Christian ministries | 12 | 9,657 | (9,256) | 413 |
| Poverty | - | 375 | (375) | - |
| Education | - | 1,500 | (1,500) | - |
| Building fund | 5,374 | - | - | 5,374 |
| 5,386 | 11,532 | (11,131) | 5,787 |
15 Unrestricted funds - Building Fund
These are unrestricted funds which are material to the Trust's activities.
| At | 1 | January | At |
31 | December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023 | |||||
| £ | £ | |||||
| Building fund | 400,000 | 400,000 | ||||
| Previous year: | At | 1 | January | At |
31 | December |
| 2022 | 2022 | |||||
| £ | £ | |||||
| Building fund | 400,000 | 400,000 |
16 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 January | Incoming | Resources | At 31 December |
At 31 December |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | resources | expended | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 97,193 | 73,885 | (52,006) | 119,072 | |
| Previous year: | At 1 January | Incoming | Resources | At 31 December |
|
| 2022 | resources | expended | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 80,161 | 61,110 | (44,078) | 97,193 |
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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
17 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Designated Restricted funds building funds general fund 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented by: Current assets/(liabilities) 119,072 400,000 5,374 119,072 400,000 5,374 Unrestricted Designated Restricted funds building funds general fund 2022 2022 2022 £ £ £ Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are represented by: Current assets/(liabilities) 97,193 400,000 5,787 97,193 400,000 5,787 |
Total 2023 £ 524,446 |
|---|---|
| 524,446 | |
| Total 2022 £ 502,980 |
|
| 502,980 |
18 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).
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