The people of Pontarddulais will once again be able to worship at their historic St Teilo's Church next month, when a special service will mark the feast day of the church's patron saint.

The original building was moved to the National Museum of History at St Fagans, Cardiff in 1984-5 and reopened by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, in 2007. The church has been refurbished as it may have appeared about the year 1530, complete with a rood screen and loft between the nave and chancel, altars, carvings and brightly-coloured paintings on all the walls.

The museum has since held an annual service at the church to mark St Teilo’s Day and now, following a chance visit to St Fagans by the clerk to the town council Susan Rodaway, the people of Pontarddulais are being invited to take part.

Susan said: "During a visit to St Fagans, I learned that a service was once held each year on St Teilo's Day, and it struck me as a beautiful tradition worth reconnecting with.

“I'm delighted that Pontarddulais Town Council and St Fagans have embraced the idea, allowing us to revive this celebration for our community. Thanks to the council's support in funding a coach, up to 70 residents will be able to come together on 9th February to honour St Teilo and share in a meaningful cultural experience."

Pontarddulais Town Council approached Rev'd Dr John Gillibrand, vicar of Pontarddulais and Penllergaer, to hold the special service, which will take place at 11am on February 9. A coach will be arranged to bring members of the local community and churches who wish to attend, with space for up to 70 residents.

John said: "I was delighted to be approached by the town council to help organise this service and want to say thank you to them.

“We very much try to be a community-facing church, and this is so much part of it. It will be an opportunity to gather to celebrate our rich heritage, but also to pray for Pontarddulais as it is today, for all those who live and work here, for all – far and near – who call this place home. I will be doing my best to lead a lively and memorable act of worship."

St Teilo's Church was originally built in the late 12th or 13th century. As Pontarddulais grew as a community, the church was at some distance from the centre, down by the River Loughor, and fell out of use except for occasional use during the summer months. In 1850, a new church dedicated to St Teilo was built in Pontarddulais itself.