One of Oxford’s most historic churches is calling out for people to pass on its important story to visitors.

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin on High Street has played host to key historical moments like the trial of reformation leader Thomas Cramner in the 16th century and the founding of Oxfam.

It is now undergoing its first refurbishment since the 19th century and residents are needed to make it come alive.

Heritage education and volunteers officer Lucinda Williams said: “The University Church of St Mary the Virgin is one of England’s most historically-important churches and welcomes around 300,000 visitors each year.”

The church has been a site of Christian worship and the focus of lively debates for over 700 years.

It was home to the first Oxford University library and was once a meeting place for the university’s governing body and chancellor’s court.

Last year the church was awarded a £3.4m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for refurbishment and the development of new learning resources.

Work on the first stage of the project will get under way later this month, including repairs to the exterior stonework and improvement of the Old Library.

The church also plans to start a new education programme for visiting schools and needs new volunteer welcomers and guides for its new beginning.

Ms Williams said: “This new team of volunteers will be the first point of contact between the church and its visitors, helping us to tell the story of this magnificent building.

“We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for local history.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about their heritage and share this knowledge with others.”

Volunteers will be based at the new welcome desk in the Adam de Brome Chapel which will act as a focus point for visitors. They will all receive an induction to introduce them to the church and prepare them for their duties.

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk l Application forms are available from university-church.ox.ac.uk or 01865 279110. The deadline for completed applications is February 17 and training will begin in mid-February.