The Vicar of Hull’s historic Holy Trinity Church today (September 29) paid tribute to the local businessman who is bringing music legend Rod Stewart to Hull and thanked him for nominating the church’s transformation project to benefit from the show.

The Rev Canon Dr Neal Barnes has written to MKM Executive Chairman David Kilburn congratulating him on his “coup” in securing the star’s performance at the KC Stadium next year.

Dr Barnes told Mr Kilburn everyone at Holy Trinity had been “bowled over” by his generosity in donating the event’s proceeds to Holy Trinity’s development project and Hull’s Daisy Appeal.

In his letter he added: “It is a significant gesture and will go a long way to helping us bring about this much-needed transformation to our wonderful building and the surrounding area.

“Our plans will not only help us serve the local people and those in need much more effectively, but will also aid the vital regeneration of the Old Town. Holy Trinity is one of the jewels in Hull's crown but could be so much more! Your donation - and the extra profile it will give the project - could be a real game changer and we can't thank you enough!”

Holy Trinity Development Trust member Wayne Ede first approached Mr Kilburn about supporting the development project last October.

Mr Ede, Managing Director of Hull-based facilities management business Westlinks, said: “With my business partner I first went to see David last October and talked through the exciting plans for Holy Trinity and how they will act as a catalyst for regeneration in the Old Town.

“There have been various other conversations since then and we’re all delighted that they have paid dividends.

“David has pulled off an incredible achievement in bringing Rod Stewart to Hull and it’s brilliant that he has chosen to also support our project and the Daisy Appeal, by splitting the proceeds between these two great local causes.”

Holy Trinity Development Trust Vice Chair Stephen Martin said: “I am absolutely delighted that, as a result of the conversations a number of us have had with David, he has decided to support us so wonderfully.

“We have been having some very fruitful conversations with people in the business community across the area and it is so encouraging that people are to willing to help us in so many different ways.”

Holy Trinity’s development project will see a transformation of the magnificent building and its grounds to enable England’s largest parish church to replace outdated and inadequate facilities, become much more accessible to the community and host a wider range of cultural and social events.

The changes at Holy Trinity will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Hull’s Old Town and create new income streams to secure a long-term sustainable future for the 700-year-old church as a spectacular, vibrant and welcoming place of worship and community use.

The Holy Trinity Development Trust is now halfway towards its £4.5m target, following a wide range of generous gifts, from six-figure donations by wealthy supporters to selfless contributions by members of the congregation.

Rod Stewart’s show at the KC Stadium on June 14 next year is part of his 2016 tour of stadium venues. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, October 2, from www.ticketline.co.uk

Dr Barnes urged local people to support the event by buying tickets to make it an outstanding success and help to realise the ambitious plans for Holy Trinity.

He said: “David Kilburn’s amazing achievement in securing the Rod Stewart concert and his generosity in supporting us will really help to spread the word about the transformation of Holy Trinity.

“We also hope it will encourage others to join the many people who have made financial contributions to help to turn our exciting plans into reality.”