Despite the torrential rain, hundreds of people turned out for the long-awaited reopening of a historic church.

Between 300 and 400 people of all ages arrived at St Peter's Church, in York Place, Brighton, for the 10am service today.

Three services are taking place, one at 8.30am, one at 10am and one at 6pm, attracting churchgoers from other parts of Sussex and London.

St Peter's, an iconic building known as Brighton's cathedral, faced closure after congregation numbers fell and structural problems put it in financially difficulties.

But Anglican group Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), which first developed the Alpha Course, agreed to take over the running of the church.

The Grade II listed church is still under Church of England control but has been leased by the Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance to HTB, who are maintaining the building and running the services.

The parish and benefice of Brighton and St Peter with the Chapel Royal has been dissolved and two new benefices created – Brighton The Chapel Royal and Brighton St Peter.