THE history of Christ Church, Pennington has finally been written in recognition of 150 memorable years of ongoing service to the community.

In an A4 sized booklet local history librarian Tony Ashcroft presents a detailed and honorable account entitled '150 years of Service, A Brief History of Christ Church, Pennington' available from Leigh Library, priced £2.50.

Since being built in 1854, Christ Church has played an important role throughout the history of Pennington.

In 1854 the Gothic style church cost £4,800 to build from Yorkshire stone. And each part of the church foundations symbolises the effort which went into building it.

Underneath the 10" foundation stone lies a buried bottle containing a parchment dating the laying of the stone and names of the building committee, architect and contractor. The bottle also contains a shilling and sixpence from that year the church was built.

With two long isles measuring 71ft leading to a porch at the south end, the inside structure of the church highlights architecture of the highest standard. The west end of the church holds a remarkable tower representing the church at its strongest -- the 80ft tower is said to be large enough to hold eight bells.

Present Vicar the Rev Peter Leakey who has been there scince 1985 is the latest in a list of 13 incumbents which began with the Rev William Seaton.

The author presents many more interesting aspects of a century and a half in this booklet which is well worth the asking price for those with an interest in local history.