Service marks church restoration

The church cares for more than 7,500 homeless people a year

A special service has been held at the 18th Century St Martin-in-the Field church in central London to mark its reopening following a refurbishment.

The church, which is located in Trafalgar Square, was closed for about two years as it underwent £36m revamp.

It helps 7,500 homeless people a year and houses a Chinese community centre.

Prince Charles laid a granite slab to mark the reopening while the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams led the thanksgiving service.

During the restoration the church was cleaned and facilities for visitors, music, parish and homeless people were upgraded.

The Duchess of Cornwall and former Prime Minister Sir John Major also attended the service.

Prince Charles laid a granite slab at the base of the church's new pavilion

The prince, who has been closely involved with the project, laid a granite slab at the base of the church's new pavilion during a "topping out" ceremony.

The church recieved £15.35m from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the upgrade and additional funds from donors in the US and from Hong Kong due to its importance within the Chinese community.

The church's Social Service Unit, founded in 1948, helps and cares for about 7,500 homeless people annually.

The historic facade of the church will continue to be hidden behind hoardings as final touches are added in the next few months.

The Reverend Nicholas Holtam, vicar of the church, said: "This is the summation and culmination of a huge amount of work that has been running for 10 years, we've had the builders on site for two and a bit years, so it is great to be nearing the end."

John Anderson, Chairman of St Martin-in-the-Fields Building Renewal Project Limited said: "A lot of hard work has gone into this, it's a great day for celebration."