It’s official – our Minster is a real favourite!

The National Churches Trust has this week revealed the UK’s favourite churches, as chosen by famous people from the world of politics, entertainment, journalism and academia.

And it was the Rt Hon Baroness Warsi, Senior Minister for Faith and Communities who nominated Dewsbury Minster, in Rishworth Road.

Dewsbury Minster’s the Rev Kevin Partington said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised. We’re delighted.

“The minster is a jewel in the town’s crown.”

The Minster receives lots of new visitors each week and Mr Partington hopes the nomination will encourage more people to go and enjoy the place.

Baroness Warsi, who comes from Dewsbury, has fond memories of visiting the Minster and she welcomed the National Churches Trust’s campaign.

She said: “The Minster is both ancient – being founded in the year 627 following a visit by Paulinus, the Missionary Bishop to Yorkshire – and fully in touch with the times, always striving to respond creatively to the needs of the whole local community that it is called to serve.”

She added that the church has been adapted over a number of years to suit the needs of the whole community.

She said: “This beautiful church is well loved by Dewsbury people of all faiths, including my own Muslim community, and I pray that it continues to prosper for another 1,400 years and more.”

The National Churches Trust’s initiative aims to promote awareness of churches as some of the UK’s most important and best-loved buildings and of the need for continuing funding to keep them in good repair for future generations.

More details can be found by visiting www.favouritechurches.org.uk.