A CHRISTIAN centre in the heart of Great Malvern will be celebrating 25 successful years on Sunday.

The Lyttelton Well was the vision of a group of people who wanted to create a Christian coffee and bookshop and counselling centre, and chose a site next to the Lyttelton Rooms in Church Street, on the edge of the Priory churchyard, to make their dream come true.

The Well cost over £0.5 million to build so a huge fundraising effort was needed, supported by 17 local churches. Nigel Kennedy and Humphrey Lyttelton both held fundraising concerts, and other events included a flower festival, markets and a Mad Hatter's tea party.

Now, 25 years on, over 100 volunteers work there, including more than 20 counsellors who offer their time free and give an average of 120 hours of counselling a month.

Peter Buchanan, chairman of the Well trustees, said: "25 years ago, I was a supporter cheering from the stands and never expected to be more. My role as chairman is a real privilege and I believe the the next 25 years will be as exciting as the last, and that the Well will continue to be a blessing to the people of Malvern and beyond."

The celebration on Sunday begins with a service at Great Malvern Priory at 3pm. This will be followed by refreshments at the Well and the screening of a DVD telling the story of Lyttelton Well.