BURY Parish Church has been made a Grade One listed building because of its special architectural and historic interest.

The Secretary of State for National Heritage said that it was a fine example of the work of the architect J. S. Crowther who designed the building which was constructed between 1871 and 1876.

In England, about 450,000 buildings are listed, but only 6,000 are Grade One, the highest level.

The church is also home to many of the battle standards of the Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for whom it is the garrison church.

Bury Parish Church's architectural interest stretches from its hammer beam roof to its mosaic floor and, on a historical note, it is the place where the founder of the police force, Robert Peel, was baptised.

The pulpit is a tribute to Roger Kay, founder of Bury Grammar School, and, outside, the paths around the building are made from 17th century gravestones that provide clues to those tracing a family history.

The eight bells which hang in the steeple, the heaviest of which weighs 4.5 tons, are rung on Sundays, and bell-ringing practise is held on Wednesday evenings.

Dr John Findon, the Rector of Bury, said: "We are fortunate in having such a wonderful, impressive reminder of the Christian faith here in the centre of Bury.

"Not only is it an elegant building, but it is one that has a welcoming congregation.

"We are pleased that the Grade One listing will bring more people to see the church, but also hope that those people will find something spiritual as they experience the church's beauty, craftsmanship and atmosphere."