A group has been formed to save an historic village church.

The Friends of St Myllin's will officially launch next month in a bid to save the church from closure because of declining congregations and a lack of money to keep it open.

Hermione Morris, rector of St Myllin's, said it was a similar story for churches across the country.

She continued: “We all want the church to be there when we celebrate the happiest and saddest occasions in our lives, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals.”

Rev Morris added: "St Myllin’s is a part of our community life as a venue for concerts, especially the Llanfyllin Music Festival with the Allegri Quartet, and we host, alongside the chapels, Mayor’s Sunday, and Remembrance Day commemorations.

"We’re currently a receiving point for the Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre, and we organise collection points for Welshpool Foodbank across the town.

"All these things could also be under threat if St Myllin’s were to close."

The history of St Myllin’s goes back to the 'Age of the Saints' in the 7th century, when an Irish monk called Moling – which in time became “Myllin”– set up his “Llan” in what therefore became Llanfyllin.

Although the present church dates from the early 18th century, there are still echoes of much earlier times in the ancient churchyard on its mound above the river.

The launch of the Friends of St Myllin's takes place at the church on Saturday, April 14, and will include music, refreshments and an exhibition of some of the church’s rarely seen treasures, including precious silver and some interesting old books and furniture.

For information about the Friends of St Myllin’s please email Simon Baynes baynes@bodfach.com or Keith Blacker keith@edistone.com