Charles takes St Martin's role

The Prince of Wales will today become the patron of a £34million project to renew St Martin in the Fields church in Trafalgar Square.

Charles will visit today to see plans for improvements to the church precinct and community care facilities.

St Martin's has a long association with royalty - King George I was the first churchwarden when it opened in 1721 - and has hosted many events attended by members of the royal family.

Prince Charles's interest in architecture and support for multi-faith activity is thought to be behind his role.

He will be shown an architectural model of planned building work before touring facilities for the homeless and vulnerable which will be modernised-The church's vicar, the Rev Nicholas Holtam, said: "We are delighted the Prince of Wales has agreed to become patron. St Martin's is one of London ' s best- loved churches."

The church, which attracts 700,000 visitors a year, also runs a Chinese People's Day Centre and a café. The project was designed in consultation with the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment.