CHURCH members marked the ten-year anniversary of a church which first opened its doors in 1841.

The Dunford Road Methodist Church at Hade Edge was reopened a decade ago after a campaign by local residents.

Many of them gathered to mark its ten-year anniversary on Sunday at a special service.

It was the last anniversary service the Rev Ron Hicks and his wife Diane will lead, with both ministers due to move to Lancashire later this year.

Church member Maurice Garlick said: “The church has always been here, ever since I was a lad I remember it.

“But like many churches it closed and was left idle.

“It was only when we heard it was going to become a house that we thought “that shouldn’t happen” and decided to get it reopened.”

Members of the church held an anniversary service on Sunday with music from soloist Sarah Ogden, a winner at the recent Mrs Sunderland festival.

On Sunday, May 11 church members will host their annual band day joined by the Hade Edge Brass Band.

The event starts at 2.30pm and all members of the community are invited to join.