A CENTURIES-old church will close its doors for the final time at the end of the month as a result of dwindling congregation numbers.

Two years ago the elders of Lower Chapel United Reformed Church in Chapels decided that if attendances did not pick up by March this year, a decision would be made to close the church.

A service on Sunday, April 27, will mark the last day for the church, which opened in the 16th Century.

The Reverend Tamas Sugar said: "It is such a sad occasion because this is the second oldest non-denomination church in Darwen.

"We have had a great deal of problems finding people to do work within the church and it's a sign that things are really changing.

"It's a sign of society today that people just don't want to commit to the church and you find it with any society or organisation."

Around £20,000 would be needed to repair the building but money is not the issue, according to the minister.

"If we had the human power we would try and get the money but we just don't have enough people," he said: "It's a great shame because the building has a lot of history and there are people who've worshipped there all their lives. It's almost like a bereavement for them but we have to look at it as a change.

"We are losing a church but other churches in the area will be adding to their congregations."

The 35-strong congregation will relocate to one of the three remaining united reformed churches in the town.

Mike Adamson, church elder, said: "The church is a listed building and it needs a lot of repairs and we just don't have the people to run it. Closing is something we didn't want to do and we are all very upset that this has to happen."

John East, denomination spokesperson, said: "At the end of the month the building will fall into the hands of the North Western Synod of the United Reformed Church.

"There are no plans to sell it as yet and we are focusing all our energies on relocating our congregation because it is a very sad time for all of them."

A service, featuring the Ashleigh Singers, will be held at the church on Sunday at 6.30pm.

Mr Adamson said: "We want the service to be a celebration not a wake and we are sure that a lot of people will turn out to say goodbye to the beautiful building."