The church in Rugby Road, built in 1879, was designed by architect George Gilbert Scott Junior, who was responsible for churches up and down the country.

St Mark's vicar the Rev Paul Manuel said: "Of course a church is more than a building - even when it has George Gilbert Scott Junior as its architect.

"It is a community crossing the generations and providing a focus for our regular worship, as well as for special occasions.

"I am relatively new to this area, but I have already been struck by the sense of community which exists in Milverton."

He added: "One hundred and thirty may not be a very round number, but it's still worth celebrating."

The church will be open for guided tower tours on Saturday July 11 from 2pm and visitors will be able to see art displays by children from Milverton Primary School based on artists' portrayals of the building during the past 130 years.

There will be a range of stalls and cream teas will be available.

A celebration concert will take place on the Saturday at 7pm, with a number of performers including Warwickshire Youth Chorale. Tickets cost £2.50 and £1 for children and wine and soft drinks will be available.

People are also invited to attend an open-air service on Sunday July 12 at 10.30am, followed by a fair which will be open until 5pm and include children's games, a 'bungee eliminator' and a bouncy castle.

Tickets costing £4 and £2 for children can be bought in advance for a hog roast or vegetarian meal.

For further details or to volunteer at the events, contact Ann Parsons on 338572 or call the church office on 421004.