Apart from normal services, the church opens every Bank Holiday Monday, as well as every Sunday afternoon in August, and by appointment. Ms Cowell said: “We make the point of not just being a church which is solely for the parish.

“This is the only Grade I-listed building in Sefton, and we feel it is somewhere we should share with lots of people.

“I grew up in Bootle, and as children we used to catch the bus past here, and I always wanted to know more about it.

“It is a wonderful place with a wonderful atmosphere.”

“We love welcoming visitors to this amazing building. We hope as well as enriching the experience of people who visit our church as tourists, we can increase understanding between faith groups and the church’s place in the community.”

Malcolm Stonestreet, of the NorthWest Multi-Faith Tourism Association, added: “Our organisation works throughout the region, identifying faith centres which are open, hospitable and offer good interpretation.Š

“Sefton Parish Church is an outstanding example, so we wanted to recognise what has been achieved here.”

Mrs Greensmith said there was a “fantastic atmosphere” in the church.

She added: “I must say it is an absolutely stunning building.”