A celebration of a 900-year-old church has been cancelled amid concerns about the threat of the coronavirus.

The new Bishop of Dover The Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin MBE was due to lead Saturday's service to mark almost a millennia of Christian worship at Blessed Mary of Walmer in Deal.

The Rev Canon Seth Cooper, Rector of Walmer and Cornilo, said: "We need to make the health and wellbeing of everyone our main concern and so have decided to postpone this event on the grounds that serving refreshments and crowding into a confined space could present a health risk in the light of the coronavirus pandemic."

Known locally as Old St Mary's, the Norman building in Church Street was the place of worship for parishioners including the Duke of Wellington when living at Walmer Castle as Warden Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

His hatchment hangs on the north wall, which was reinstated in its original position during the 1898 north aisle demolition.

Old St Mary's had previously been the only parish church in Walmer until St Saviour's and New St Mary's were built in the 91th Century. Blessed Mary's was thus retitled Old St Mary's.

Saturday's birthday celebration was due to start with a a civic reception in the churchyard at 4.30pm followed by choral evensong in the church at 6pm.

Rev Cooper added: "Might I say a big thank you to the many who have helped to plan for the occasion and already made such an effort to be prepared.

"Please watch this space as we hope to be able to run the event later in the year."

Meanwhile, representatives of Walmer Parish Churches are also hoping to help those who feel vulnerable or isolated because of coronavirus.

• If you would like to help with the church’s pastoral response to the Walmer community or know of someone in Walmer who might need help then please call the parish office 01304 366605 with details and members of the church’s pastoral team will try to help if they can.

All other regular church activities are continuing as usual for the time being.

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