A "LOST" church has had its 900-year history celebrated in a special commemorative plaque.

At one time, St Albans Church, in Deansway in Worcester City centre was second only in importance to the Cathedral.

However, after 900 years of service, the 12th Century church was made redundant in the 1960s before it was converted into the Maggs Day Centre, a drop-in centre for the homeless, in 1986.

"Since then it has become virtually invisible despite its former importance," said Will Scott, Worcester City Council's principal conservation officer.

"The tragedy is that despite being one of Worcester's earliest church foundations, very few people even know it's there."

St Alban's Church is the oldest complete church in the city and the parish is even older, dating back to 1022.

In 1460 William Canynge, one of the greatest merchants of the 15th Century, became rector of St Albans, and in the mid-1800s it was a centre of the Oxford Movement, an attempt to reconcile the Church of England with Catholic doctrines.

This history has been captured in a metal plaque, which was installed outside the church last week.

The plaque was designed by the city council's conservation officer John Furlong, who also designed the commemorative plaques at North and South Parade, Hylton Parade and Taylor's Lane.

It was cast by Derbyshire-based company Leander Architectural, and features an 18th Century engraving of the church.

"Marking a site with a plaque is so much better than a leaflet or an entry in a tourist guide," said Mr Scott.

The idea of a commemorative plaque was originally suggested by David Beacham, a former church warden.

"The plaques are a fitting way to bring local history back to life at the place where they happened," said Mayor of Worcester Councillor Gareth Jones.