St Paul's unwrapped for Christmas

The building has been under wraps since 2005, when scaffolding and a printed image of church were put up, but the high-level scaffolding has now been removed and the church has been given a deep clean in time for Christmas.

Vicar Simon Downham(CORR) said: "This is a momentous occasion for our church and for the local community. As the scaffolding has come down, many have commented on how moved they are to see the original church in all its glory, unveiled again.

"It's even more stunning than we could have imagined. Of course the exterior is only one part of our vision here at St Paul's. While dedicated to conserving this building for the enjoyment of all, more profound is our desire to see lives enriched through creating a peaceful and welcoming sanctuary for people to come into, amid a busy part of London. We are so grateful for everyone's patience."

A stonemason working on the restoration was injured last month when he slipped on a ladder, fell from one high level of scaffolding to another and had be rescued by firefighters using a hydraulic platform.

The current church was built in 1883 to accommodate a burgeoning local congregation who could no longer squeeze in the existing building, which by then was 250 years old.

St Paul's was 'relaunched' in 2000 and has since developed several initiatives to help local people in need, including a debt advice centre and an employment training service.

The last of the scaffolding is due to be removed by January 17 when the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, will hold a thanksgiving service to mark the ten-year anniversary of the relaunch and switch on the new lighting scheme.

Work is due to begin in March next year to build a two-storey extension at the church's western end.