RESIDENTS are invited to have a look around a newly built church during an open day on Saturday.

Parishioners at Saint Thérèse of Lisieux Catholic Church, Ingleby Barwick, open earlier this year after a 20 year fundraising campaign came to fruition.

Prior to the opening worshippers had been attending Mass in school halls and a community centre.

Parish priest Canon Patrick Hartnett said: “We want to extend a very warm welcome to anyone who would like to come and see our beautiful new church.

“The open day will provide people with the opportunity to light a candle for any intention close to their hearts, to spend some time in prayer and reflection, or simply to tour the church’s main features.

“Opening up the church to the local community will be a great way to celebrate St Thérèse’s feast day.”

He added that the 19th century French nun wrote that the Church had a heart of love which was the motive force for its members to act.

“We want to give everyone the opportunity to encounter this love of God that Saint Thérèse talked about by visiting the Church, which is at the heart of our community in Ingleby,” Canon Hartnett said.

Saint Thérèse, the patron saint of the church, entered a Carmelite convent aged just 15 and dedicated her whole life to God, living a simple life of prayer.

Her veneration was made prominent in England in 2009 when her relics made a tour of the country.

They were present at St Mary’s Cathedral in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, for 22 hours, drawing in several thousand people throughout the day and night.