Royal visit for church after £1.2m revamp

THE Duke of Edinburgh was today visiting a city church following its transformation into a multi-purpose venue for the community.

He was due to tour the facilities at Broughton St Mary's Parish Church, on Bellevue Crescent, and meet schoolchildren and local groups.

The duke is patron of the congregation's Inside Out project, which has been taking the church's work and identity out into the parish following the 1.2 million refurbishment works.

Minister the Rev Joanne Hood said members were buoyed by the royal visit.

She said: "To have someone like the Duke of Edinburgh endorse what we're doing is hugely encouraging for the whole congregation.

"When we started this project we wanted to become a catalyst in the community, and this will help us gather momentum as we look towards refitting the sanctuary.

"Since the official opening last month, we have had lots of inquiries about available space and it could soon be likely that all of our rooms are being used to capacity."

A group for adults with learning disabilities has already set up home in the lower halls and the church also accommodates youth organisations, music groups and conferences.

It is hoped it could also become an official venue for the Edinburgh Festival.