THE search is on to find Wales’ favourite church building, with two Penarth churches among those competing for the title.

Out of more than 4,500 churches and chapels across the country, a shortlist of 50 has been chosen by the National Churches Trust.

The national church building support charity has launched the ‘Sacred Wales’ campaign in a bid to celebrate and raise awareness of Wales’ religious heritage.

Penarth's only Grade I listed building, St Augustine's Church, figures on the list alongside Trinity Methodist Church.

The competition has received the support of broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, who said that Wales has “some of the most beautiful buildings anywhere in the world.

He added: “We should all care about the heritage of churches and chapels which help tell the story of Wales. So let’s work together to keep them alive.

“The religious heritage of Wales belongs to all of us, so let’s celebrate it.”

The competition will recognise that churches remain vital for community life in Wales, despite congregations declining.

A report by the trust, published last month, found that 60 per cent of churches and chapels need funding from external sources to pay for repair and maintenance.

Other issues such as the cost of said repairs and a severe shortage of church volunteers - half say they are not attracting new volunteers - were also put forward in the study.

Claire Walker, chief executive of the trust said: “There are around 4,500 churches and chapels in Wales. Around 45 per cent of these are listed due to their historical and architectural significance.”

“However, with declining congregations, their future is not guaranteed. That’s why there needs to be a national debate about their future.”

Voting closes at midnight on August 31, and votes can be cast online at www.sacredwales.org.uk.

The winning church or chapel will be announced on September 28 and will receive a trophy and a cheque for £500.