WHAT'S thought to be East Lancashire's first multi-denominational church was officially opened with a service of dedication yesterday.

Christ Church, Carr Road, Nelson, is to be used as a ecumenical church for use by both Roman Catholic and Methodist worshippers.

And in a special show of solidarity the Asian Catholic community were singing a bible reading in Punjabi at the service of dedication yesterday.

Part funded by the Catholic and Methodist churches, the new £850,000 building will also be home to Nelson Credit Union and has a cafe that will be open for public use.

It was erected after the former Christ Church was destroyed by fire.

Mayor of Pendle Mohammed Iqbal was at the special service taken by the Bishop of Salford, the Rt Rev Terence Brain and the Rev Stephen Poxon, chairman of the North Lancashire Methodist District.

More than 400 people packed into the modern new church to celebrate the occasion.

At the service, Mr Poxon, chairman of the Methodist district, said: "I was standing outside the church hours after it had been burnt down by fire.

"Who would have thought that now we would all be here with a dream and a vision that has become reality?

"This beautiful church is a touching place that will be shared by many people."

Coun Iqbal, who lives in Chapel Street, Nelson, said: "This is a first for the area which is a great thing for Pendle.

"It's an excellent facility for Nelson which is a new building that will welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to visit.

"I would urge all members of the community to come together and make good use of such a wonderful facility."

John Hartley, chairman of the Christ Church Joint Council, said: "The building can be used by anybody, it's a cafe, a credit union, for people who don't have bank accounts and want to start saving or get loans, and a facility that can be used for various groups, particularly aimed at the more deprived people of Pendle."