SAINT Patrick has come back - to watch over Widnes schoolchildren.
This stunning stained glass window, stripped from St Patrick's RC Church, West Bank, when it was demolished in 1998, has been installed in St Bede's RC Primary School.
It is one of three precious images restored and returned to their home town, thanks to a £27,000 lottery grant.
"It wouldn't have been possible without the help of the heritage lottery," said Peter McCann, who crusaded to trace the treasures.
More than 400 people attended a jubilant mass to celebrate the return of the windows on St Patrick's Day.
An open day is being held on Saturday, April 23, from 10am to 2pm at St Bede's RC Primary School, Appleton Village.
"It's another opportunity for people to see all the old photographs we had on display and also to see pictures taken on the night," said Peter. "They will also be able to see the first window now in situ."
An illustrated book on the history of St Patrick's Church, leather bookmarks and prayer cards will be available free, as commemorative gifts.
St Bridget's window will be installed at St Bede's and the crucifixion will be placed in a newly refurbished library at SS Peter & Paul RC High School in the summer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article