A CRUCIFIX found in the rubble of a church in Europe during the First World War has been given to a local church.

Now the cross has been dedicated at Radcliffe Parish Church after it was presented to it by Mrs Sandra Olive.

It was found on the site of a bombed church by soldier Mr Stanley Taylor, Mrs Olive's grandfather, during fighting in France.

Mrs Olive, of Lever Street, Radcliffe, said: "My grandfather didn't want to leave the cross there when he found it, so he brought it back and gave it to my mother, Rhoda. Just before she died she gave it to me. And now I thought it would be nice for it to go back to church - sort of full circle. Rev Windon said that you can tell that it is a continental crucifix because of the markings on Jesus' body."

The crucifix was dedicated at Radcliffe Parish Church, St Mary's, during the Remembrance service on Sunday (14 Nov) by Rev Gary Windon.

He added: "I am very pleased that we have been able to offer a home to the crucifix and how fitting it is that it now hangs above the war memorial in the Parish Church."