A CHURCH is to open its doors to visitors during the day.

St Cuthbert’s Catholic Church, off Old Elvet, Durham City, will be open from 8.30am to 3.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 9.30am to noon on Saturdays.

The new hours will begin on Saturday, May 25.

Entry will be free and stewards will be present to answer questions.

Father Benjamin Earl, the parish priest, said: “We’ve already been open for Mass and other services several times daily.

“But I find there is a great call for a quiet space in the midst of people’s busy lives.

“Now, thanks to the generosity of 30 volunteer stewards, we look forward to welcoming people who want to drop in for prayer or just to look around this beautiful and historic church.”

The church was designed by renowned Durham architect Ignatius Bonomi and opened in 1827, but not consecrated until 1910.

Its includes a window depicting northern saints by acclaimed Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke and ambo and processional cross by Durham-based sculptor Fenwick Lawson.

It is home to a parish church, Durham University’s catholic chaplaincy and a small religious community of Dominican friars.