MORE than 100 people gathered in St Katharine and St Peter's Church on Friday, June 13, to launch the new 'Friends' of the Church.

Among them were Mayor of Milford Haven Cllr Eric Harries and the Deputy Chairman of the County Council.

The Friends initiative seeks to encourage all those who value the history, architecture and contribution of the Church to the life of the town to subscribe as a 'Friend' of the Church.

A service of Solemn Evensong was held at 7pm followed by a reception in the Church which included a display of the buildings history, parish registers were able to view and speeches were given by the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd J Wyn Evans and the Chair of the Friends, Cllr Mrs Yvonne Southwell.

On Saturday nearly a 100 people assembled to enjoy a concert given by Tempus Choir under the direction of Mr Seimon Morris and a Festival Mass was held on the Sunday.

Fr Harri Williams, Vicar of Milford Haven, said: "This weekend has been a triumph for the Church in this place.

"It was wonderful to be able to welcome so many who came to support us and to see the valuable place which this Church has in peoples' hearts and minds.

"I am grateful to all those who have supported this venture, so far the Friends have raised just over £3,000."

Anyone interested in joining the Friends should ring 01646 692476.