RADCLIFFE'S newest church held its first service on Sunday (March 24), in front of a packed congregation.

Now the £355,000 Radcliffe United Reformed Church in Water Street is hoping to welcome new as well as old faces on Easter Sunday (March 31).

The Rev Anne Stokes said: "Our first service was completely full and we are all thrilled to bits with the building."

The light, airy and spacious church is built on the site of dilapidated Victorian outbuildings. The former church hall has been retained for community use and is linked by an internal corridor to the new church.

It may be modern, but there are two very apparent reminders of the church's past.

Stained-glass windows which are more than 150 years old have been transplanted over the entrance to the new church and the old wooden crucifix hangs over the front platform.

Money was raised through grants, donations and various sponsored events by the church's members who range in age from the very young to 94.

A joint service will be held with Stand United Reformed Church on Easter Sunday, and on April 13, the official opening service will be conducted by the Rev Peter Brain, Moderator of the North Western Synod.

The church will be open to visitors throughout the following week.