A LITTLE-KNOWN jewel in Droitwich has been opened up to the whole world, thanks to the internet.

The Church of the Sacred Heart and Saint Catherine of Alexandria is considered one of the most beautiful in Britain.

But whereas until now it was only known, admired and used by people in Worcestershire, it could now be receiving thousands more visitors a week due to the World Wide Web.

A website, www.sacredheartdroitwich.org, has been launched to show off the church's stunning mosaics and sculptures, the likes of which are usually not seen

outside Italy.

"I hope that by opening up this website, we will give people an insight into the beauty of the church, and they will be inspired to come and visit us," said Father Tom Kelly, parish priest.

"It is classed as one of the most beautiful churches in the country and is based on the basilica churches of the ancient city of Ravenna in Italy."

Built in the early 1900s, the Worcester Road church's elaborate mosaics were designed by Solihull artist Gabriel Pippet, who is buried next to the church, and built by mosaicists Maurice Josey and Fred Oates.

They portray themes, stories and characters from the Bible and are made of Venetian glass.

"Gabriel spent some time in Ravenna and Rome where he was most impressed by the mosaic decoration and this influence is clearly apparent in our church," added Father Kelly.

"The mosaicist Maurice Josey had been employed on the mosaics at Westminster Cathedral before he came to Droitwich, so that gives people an idea of how wonderful they are.

"When the church was first built the walls were just bare, white plaster. Online visitors can place their cursor over the present day pictures to see how the interior looked prior to its transformation. It is certainly different.

"The website is just for people to get a taster of the building and get an appreciation of our parish. Only by coming to the church in person can they fully appreciate it."