UK party leaders reveal their favourite churches

The National Churches Trust has revealed today the favourite churches of the seven main UK party leaders. Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust said: "The UK's 42,000 churches, chapels and meeting houses are a tremendous asset to the nation. Together, they form an unparalleled network of public buildings which sustain local communities. In the run-up to the 2015 General Election we are delighted to help inform the electorate by revealing the favourite churches and chapels of the seven party leaders who will take part in the ITV Leaders' Debate on 2nd April."

"These include churches and chapels in England, Scotland and Wales and range from St Bartholomew the Great, one of London's oldest and most historic churches, to Soar Ffrwdamos in Penygraig, a chapel in the heart of the Rhonnda valley and Fisherton Church in Dunure, located on the coast of the Firth of Clyde."

"Since 1953, the National Churches Trust has played its part in helping to keep churches open throughout the UK. We have provided over 12,000 grants and loans, £85 million worth of funding at today's prices, to help pay for urgent repairs and the installation of up to date facilities to places of worship of all the major Christian denominations."

"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."

PARTY LEADERS FAVOURITE CHURCHES

Rt Hon David Cameron - Leader of the Conservative Party

• All Saints Church, Church Lane, Spelsbury, Oxfordshire, OX7 3JR and St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Green, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 4AW

Mr Cameron said: "There are so many wonderful churches in my constituency, but I do have two favourite ones. The first is from a purely personal point of view. It is All Saints at Spelsbury where my family sometimes worship when we are at home in Oxfordshire. It has a very special memory of my late son, Ivan's, christening.

Another church I have great affection for in my constituency is St Mary the Virgin in Witney. I have the honour of being one of the Patrons for the Appeal for Restoration and Renewal and have been so impressed by the hard work of dedicated and enthusiastic parishioners and clergy for this appeal. St Mary is one of the oldest buildings in Witney and one of the biggest in West Oxfordshire. Its origins go back to Norman times but the present building is mostly 13th century. It stands on Church Green near the town centre, and its spire is a landmark for many miles around. The church does tremendous work to support the community and is an important part of Witney life."

Rt Hon Ed Miliband - Leader of the Labour Party

• St Mary Magdelene Church, High Street, Campsall, Doncaster, DN6 9AG

"I am pleased to nominate the Norman church of St Mary Magdalene in Campsall, Doncaster North. St Mary Magdalene is said to be the church were Robin Hood and Maid Marian were married. As strong believers in redistribution the people of Doncaster North are happy to reclaim his roots. I am proud to have this church in my constituency."

Rt Hon Nick Clegg - Leader of the Liberal Democrats

• St Nicholas' Church, Town Gate, High Bradfield, Bradfield, South Yorkshire, S6 6LG

Mr Milliband said: "This stunning 15th century Grade One listed church is situated within High Bradfield in my Sheffield Hallam constituency. Given its location, perched on the top of a hill overlooking Low Bradfield and the reservoirs below, it can be seen for miles around and offers great views across the valleys. 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."

Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP - Leader of the Scottish National Party

• Fisherton Parish Church, Dunure, South Ayrshire

Ms Sturgeon said: "It is very difficult to choose a favourite church. There are some stunning places of worship in my Glasgow Southside constituency - from ornate chapels and traditional kirks to modern community hubs such as the Gurdwara and Central Mosque which thrive as cultural, educational and religious centres. All of them enrich our community and are there for us at the key moments of our lives. My personal choice, however, is the church that I was christened in - Fisherton Church in Dunure. It is a picturesque and peaceful place, with nearby castle, harbour and lookout tower, and located on the coast of the Firth of Clyde, near Maybole. It's a place I loved as a child and still means a great deal to my family."

Leanne Wood AM - Leader of Plaid Cymru

• Soar Ffrwdamos in Penygraig, Rhondda

Ms Wood said: "Soar is a vital part of the community as it facilitates all kinds of groups, from all backgrounds and from all sectors of Rhondda society. It brings people together. It also feels very youth orientated. The young people that go there have real ownership of the building and that is something that was true when the project got off the ground when I was a teenager. It does much to support arts and performance in the local area. It is an iconic building for Penygraig."

Nigel Farage MEP - Leader of the UK Independence Party

• St Thomas à Becket Church, Fairfield, Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9SA

Mr Farage said: "A uniquely situated church in the middle of the marsh. Quite enchanting.

" Natalie Bennett - Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales

• St Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS

"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."

See photos and descriptions here: http://nationalchurchestrust.tumblr.com/

For more information on the National Churches Trust see: www.nationalchurchestrust.org/