A church in North Wales that has been without services for over a decade has reopened, thanks to a community effort and the blessing of the Archbishop of Wales.

St Mary’s was among the estimated 2,000 to 3,500 churches in Britain that have closed down over recent years. But the church, originally opened in 1870, welcomed worshippers back in June 2024.

In an interview with ITVX, the church's vicar, Rev Kevin Ellis, said: "There's been real teamwork between the community and the church."

Even during its closure, the church held services for Christmas, Easter, and Epiphany. Over the years, the push to reopen the church grew stronger, according to ITVX.

Rev Ellis, who oversees nine churches in the large parish of Bro Madryn, credited the enthusiasm of the Friends of St Mary’s for making a compelling case to reopen.

He stated: "It's the Friends' enthusiasm, and the willingness to have a go, that made the argument. Then it's down to the Bishop to say yes."

On Sunday 9th June, the church celebrated its grand reopening with the presence of the Archbishop of Wales, who is also the Bishop of Bangor.

Annie Sanson from Friends of St Mary’s expressed her emotions to the news outlet about the reopening, saying: "My eyes weren't exactly dry that day. This is now open and it's - oh, it's fantastic."