PARISH Prospect Preston aims to give the parish churches of St John's and St George's new roles to fulfil needs of local people.

Work has already been completed at St George's Church, which included restoring the Georgian structure and decorations, and adding extra kitchen, toilet, storage and meeting room facilities

Access to Preston's 'hidden gem', situated alongside the St George's Shopping Centre, has also been improved.

St George's is already an established community arts centre, hosting a popular series of lunchtime concerts for picnicking workers and shoppers, as well as music workshops for local children.

Breath-taking features include a magnificent Pre-Raphaelite window, a Father Willis organ and some of the most important musical instruments in Europe.

Assistant Parish Priest Father Damian Feeney said: "We have a growing body of patrons and supporters, including many local organisations and individuals."

Plans for St John's include turning it into a business conference centre, community meeting place and tourist attraction.

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