A HISTORIC Penarth church has been reopened to the public after a ceremony by The Bishop of Llandaff.

St Peter’s Church, Old Cogan is now open again after a period of repair and restoration. It was officially reopened by The Right Reverend June Osborne.

The church has a history which reaches back for more than 800 years as a place of worship. Originally attached to the Celtic Monastery at Llandough, then to the Parish of Llandough and now as part of the Parish of All Saints, Penarth it holds services every Sunday at 3.30pm and is available to local residents for baptisms, weddings and funerals.

St Peter's is located in Cogan Hall Farm at the end of Mile Lane off Sully Road, or by foot from Cosmeston Country Park. It is regularly used by people in the area.

During the restoration much was learnt about the original building techniques used which helped people to age the different parts of the church.

Bishop Osborne also officially opened a new car park which will provide off-road parking for those using the church.

A spokesman for the church said: "The service also provided an opportunity to give a vote of thanks to the retiring warden, John Rogers, who has served the community and church in this role for many years, who along with his wife Betty, are key figures in the life of the church and was central to all of the fundraising.

"Taking over this important role is John Fraser, former town counsellor and mayor and who is the present Chairman of The Friends of St Peter’s."