Prince backs £34m church revamp

Prince Charles looked around the church and the market next to it

Prince Charles is supporting the £34m renovation of one of London's best-known churches by becoming its patron.

Work at St-Martin-in-the-Fields will include a glass pavilion entrance to its underground vaults and rooms for choristers and musicians.

The 280-year-old church, just off Trafalgar Square, will also get a new drop-in centre for the homeless.

Prince Charles visited the church on Thursday, talking to homeless people and the architects behind the scheme.

It is thought the project, which also includes a Chinese community centre, will take two years to complete.

The Reverend Nicholas Holtham said St Martin's was one of London's best-loved churches.

He added it had "an outstanding reputation for its diverse mix of congregations, exceptional musical life and the range of services and care we provide for the homeless and those in need."