Parishioners battling to save their church from closure after more than 100 years have threatened to take the fight to the Vatican.

The St Michael's and All Angels Church, in Conwy, has been told by the Wrexham Diocese that it will close on February 11 because of a declining number of priests.

This decision, which was made back in 2016, has lead to an outcry from church goers demanding a reversal of the decision.

St Michael's parishioner John Lewis said: "If they implement the closure, that will be the end of the church and people ate very unhappy about it. They haven't even considered alternative ways, they've just made the decision and as far as they (Wrexham Diocese) are concerned that's it.

"There was no consultation, it was just put on the church, if only they had of spoke to us we could have helped.

"We have appealed to the Bishop, he was the one that issued the decree so we think he should reconsider. If we don't succeed with that we'll appeal to the Vatican."

Mr Lewis said the St Michael's church was very popular with a constant attendance of more than 50 and room for more, being one of the only churches in the area with hall.

He said they had received the backing of all the other churches in Conwy and were hoping someone would listen to their appeal.

The closure of the church is part of the diocese restructuring plan set out by Bishop Peter Brignall about 18 months ago although reviews and considerations on amalgamations of parishes have been ongoing for nearly 20 years.

The Diocese said it has always been the bishop’s intent to ensure mass is celebrated every Sunday of the year in every parish of the Diocese, this can only be achieved by a reduction in the number of churches.

Bp Peter said: "I am saddened that such decisions have to be made and implemented as I am saddened by the decline in the number of people attending all of our churches.

"There have also been fewer baptisms of both children and adults and minimal number of vocations to the priesthood, religious life and permanent deaconate that have come from the native families of the diocese.

"I do not like having to make such decisions, but we have to consolidate our resources and stand firm for the centrality of the mass in the Catholic Church."

Mr Lewis said he was also concerned if the church closed who would look after the listed stations of the cross plaques in the Conwy Town Walls.