A STAINED glass window dating back more than 170 years has been revealed at an historic York city centre church after an organ was removed.

The organ at St Denys Church in Walmgate has had to be removed from the tower after it stopped working after many years service. It will be replaced by a different organ in the spring.

“This has enabled the beautiful large stained glass window that had been hidden behind the organ to be seen for the first time since the 19th century,” said Jose Linnane, of the church.

She said the church was adorned with some of the oldest stained glass windows in York but with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the church has been restored, and during the restoration the north aisle windows had been removed and given specialised cleaning so were much more vibrant.

Now the public is being invited to visit the church and see the window during York Residents' Festival, which takes place later this month.

The event, called Eat-Pray-Love, will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, January 26.

“Our event is to enable people to be visit the church outside of normal worship to chat, laugh, eat, enjoy music from some St Johns students together with highlighting the positive community spirit living in the Walmgate area,” said Jose.

“A warm community welcome is extended to all comers in our newly renovated church.

“We will offer tea, tours, talks - in the morning - and entertainment - in the afternoon -, themed Eat-Pray-Love, telling the history and ambition of our beloved church, alongside refreshment both bodily and spiritual.”