The Pope has sent his support to a church in Leicester, which was severely damaged by fire, in a letter from the Vatican.

St Andrew's Church, in Jarrom Street, was badly damaged on 28 July in a fire thought to have been started accidentally.

In the letter, Pope Leo said he was saddened to hear about the blaze and sent "the assurance of his spiritual solidarity to all those affected".

The Reverend Johannes Arens, vicar of the Church of England church, said the letter was "a huge boost" for the parish community during difficult times.

The letter also said the Pope hoped "the response to this disastrous event will strengthen the community and bring about a renewal in the life of the parish".

It was dated 7 August and signed by Vatican official Paolo Rudelli, substitute for general affairs of the secretariat of state.

Arens said: "It was really quite significant because we are not a Roman Catholic church.

"It was quite lovely. It is a huge boost not just for the church but for its community.

"It shows that we have friends who are with us."

Arens said the church had also received "heartening messages of support" from different faith communities across the city, who are "standing in solidarity with us".

He added they were also expecting a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, as she visits the Diocese of Leicester in September.

The church has said the cost of repairing the damage caused by the fire has not been calculated yet, but it hopes insurance will cover some of the bill.

Worshippers have started an online fundraiser to help with repairs and with the drop in church income as a result of disruption.

Arens said it is thought repairs will take about four or five years.

Services are currently being held in the community centre next to the church building.

Rare artefacts, include notices and posters, dating back to the 1880s are being catalogued and restored after being rescued from the fire.

A Victorian embroidered altar cloth, known as a frontal, has been handed to Leicestershire Museums collection service which is keeping it in a specialist freezer until it can be restored.

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