WORSHIPPERS were able to explore the heritage of a Radcliffe church at a site which has been synonymous with Christianity for almost 1,000 years.

Radcliffe Parish Church opened its doors for a well-attended four day event as part of the nationwide National Heritage celebrations.

Visitors were able to gain valuable information about the history of the St Mary's Parish Church and its grounds. Although the early origins of the church are obscure, it is believed there was probably a Saxon church up to the 11th century.

The heritage celebrations began on Thursday (Sept 12) with a Prayer Pilgrimage of the stations of the church.

And on Friday and Saturday (Sept 13-14), the church was open for visitors to explore. The old school and church register was available for inspection.

The church was also open on the Sunday (Sept 15) and on display were an inventory of graves going back to the 1500s as well as the burial ledger, dating back to 1700.

The four-day celebrations climaxed with a Songs of Praise service which was well attended. This was the second successive year the church had taken part in the heritage programme.

Church warden and verger Mrs Vera Beal said: "The heritage celebrations were very well received. During the Saturday and Sunday, we welcomed a steady flow of people.

"The church remained open on Sunday until 5pm and then we had the Songs of Praise service. We were very gratified with the numbers attending. It was worthwhile and people were certainly interested in some of the things we had on show. We'll try to do it again next year."