An historic church in the county of Conwy is seeking more volunteers to welcome visitors through the doors.

St Grwst’s Church in Llanrwst, which was awarded more than £700,000 in lottery funding in 2019 to restore and enhance its historic connections, is holding a volunteers coffee morning on 14 November.

The coffee morning from 10am until 12noon is open to anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering and discuss the opportunities.

The church secretary at St Grwst’s Olwen John said: “We are keen to expand our group of volunteers who are committed to making the Church a place of worship, a community hub and an exceptional historic site, open to tourists and pilgrims. The team works together holding regular events including the weekly “Paned a Sgwrs”, guided tours for groups interested in learning more about the history, concerts, exhibitions, and a whole host of other events. I would encourage anyone interested in joining us to come along to the coffee morning to find out more.”

Volunteer opportunities at St Grwst’s include becoming part of the hospitality team, helping in the garden, acting as a tour guide and becoming the church treasurer. The church is also keen to hear from you if you have other skills to offer too.

Olwen added: “Don’t be shy, please come and have a chat and find out what is going on here at St Grwst’s. We can offer you the chance to be part of a team, to make new friends and to contribute to your community.”

If you would like further information but are unable to attend the coffee morning you can contact the church’s development officer, Jon Richmond on 07936 973476 or email saintgrwstchurch@gmail.com.

Built originally in 1170, St Grwst is reported to be the only church dedicated to the saint. After being partially destroyed during Owain Glyndwr’s uprising in the 1400s it was fully demolished during the War of the Roses in 1468. The building that stands today was constructed in 1470, with further alterations and additions made over the following centuries. It incorporates Gwydir Chapel, the Wynne family chapel built in 1633. Inside the chapel is the stone sarcophagus of Llewelyn Fawr dating from 1240. Interactive interpretation panels inside the church and chapel tell the story of the church and local community through the centuries.

St Grwst is one of 210 churches in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses in the Church in Wales, an autonomous Province of the Anglican Communion. St Grwst is part of the Aberconwy Mission Area which links churches along the Conwy Valley and Llandudno Junction.