IT'S not every day the Archbishop of Canterbury visits your church, so delighted parishioners at St Peter's in Blaenavon made the most of it.

Archbishop Dr Rowan Williams came "home" to Wales yesterday, to lead the Palm Sunday procession and service in Blaenavon, as part of the St Peter's 200th ann-iversary celebrations.

It was the first time a serving Archbishop of Canterbury had visited the town.

Hundreds packed the little church - among them were Torfaen's MP and Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy, and Torfaen's mayor Councillor Yvonne Warren.

Speaking after the service, Dr Williams, former Bishop of Monmouth, said: "It's a great day for the town.

"Blaenavon is a very special place - a place with a very long history, which still takes the idea of community very seriously.

"It's wonderful to see the church looking so immaculate on what is a very special morning."

A little over three years ago, St Peter's Church was in a critical condition - the bells could not be used, because the bell tower was crumbling and in need of urgent repair, while inside, the damp was taking hold of the timbers and the iron window frames were rotting.

The church dates back to 1805. It was built by Thomas Hill and Samuel Hopkins - the iron masters who helped transform Blaenavon into an industrial powerhouse.

Now, after £450,000 of repairs - thanks to cash from CADW, the Lottery and dedicated fundraisers in the community - St Peter's is looking resplendent.

And yesterday the bells rang out proudly, as Dr Williams and St Peter's vicar, the Rev Jason Bray, led a Palm Sunday procession through the town, backed by the Blaenavon Town Band.

Torfaen's member for Blaenavon, Councillor Neil Lewis said: "I am very proud for Blaenavon, it's great to have the Archbish-op visit the town, and wonderful for St Peter's Church.

Meanwhile, Audrey Gregory, 72 and Marie Williams, 80 were hoping Dr Williams would enjoy the spread they'd prepared in the Workmen's Hall.

"We're absolutely thrilled he's come," said Mrs Gregory, who cleans the church with Mrs Williams.

"He promised he'd come back when he was Archbishop of Canterbury, but we didn't think he would," she said.