THREE years of waiting has finally come to an end for parishioners who will hold their first service in their new church on Sunday.

Since dry rot forced the closure of Christ Church Baptist Methodist building in Ramsbottom, parishioners have being holding services in Ramsbottom youth club, and fund-raising for a new building.

Thanks to grants and the dedication of parishioners, work on the new church, costing £500,000 started earlier this year on land off Great Eaves Road, Stubbins.

Sunday's service will be led by the Rev Gordon Hornblower.

He said: "The church will officially be opened on January 2, but on Sunday parishioners will come together for a special toy service.

"The new church is a new start for, and an end to three years of waiting and holding services in temporary accommodation."

The church will also double up as a neighbourhood centre to provide advice for local people. It will be run in conjunction with social services and education agencies.

The service starts at 10.30am, and parishioners are asked to bring with them toys which can then be given to children in time for Christmas.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.