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UK News

Party leaders reveal their favourite churches

The seven men and woman appealing for votes ahead of the General Election in May have told the National Churches Trust their top place of worship.

The Prime Minister David Cameron couldn't choose between two and identified All Saints Church, Spelsbury, Oxfordshire, and St Mary the Virgin Church, Witney, Oxfordshire.

Mr Cameron said he picked the two from his constituency: "It [All Saints] has a very special memory of my late son, Ivan's, christening."

Labour leader Ed Miliband, an atheist, also chose a church in his constituency of Doncaster North.

He said St Mary Magdelene Church was important to him because it is said to be where Robin Hood and Maid Marian were married.

"As strong believers in redistribution the people of Doncaster North are happy to reclaim his roots," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg said St Nicholas' Church in Bradfield was "stunning".

He added: "The church is still an integral part of village life, regularly hosting community events such as the Bradfield Music Festival which I have been lucky enough to attend in the past."

The woman who could hold the balance of power after the election, the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon, chose the church she was christened in.

Fisherton Church in Dunure, Ayrshire, is a picturesque and peaceful place that means a great deal to her family, she said.

The UK's other nationalist leader, Leanne Wood from Plaid Cymru, chose Soar Ffrwdamos in Penygraig, Rhondda.

She said it was "a vital part of the community as it facilitates all kinds of groups, from all backgrounds and from all sectors of Rhondda society".

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said St Thomas à Becket Church in Kent as "a uniquely situated church in the middle of the marsh" and "quite enchanting".

The leader of the Green Party in England and Wales, Natalie Bennett, said: "My favourite church is St Bartholomew the Great in West Smithfield, London - laying a hand on the walls dating back to Henry I, I reflect back on the many tumultuous events they've witnessed, and survived, from the Great Fire to the Blitz."

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust said: "Whatever the result of the 2015 General Election, we hope that politicians of all parties will continue to support the task of keeping churches, chapels and meeting houses looking beautiful and able to cope with the demands of the 21st century."

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