A CHURCH thought to be Merseyside’s oldest building was given an excellence award for creating a positive experience for tourists.

Sefton Parish Church, in Sefton village, which dates back to at least 1170, received the Marque of Excellence Award from the NorthWest Multi-Faith Tourism Association yesterday.

The award is presented to sacred places which create a positive visitor experience, physically and spiritually, and can demonstrate how the building is connected to the community historically and in the present day.

The Rev Irene Cowell received the award yesterday from Judith Greensmith, a former High Sheriff of Merseyside.

Ms Cowell said: “It means a great deal for us to get this award, especially for the folk of the church, because it is recognition they are valued for the work they do.”

Author Simon Jenkins gave the church, in Sefton village, three stars in England’s Thousand Best Churches, describing it as “more than an oasis”.

The church, Sefton’s only Grade I-listed building, joins Princes Road synagogue and Liverpool Metropolitan cathedral in winning the award.