THE magnificent All Saints Church at Stand begins celebrations for its 175th anniversary this weekend with a week-long programme of events for the whole community to enjoy.

One of the many "Waterloo" churches built following the famous victory in 1815, the foundation stone at All Saints was laid in 1821, with the consecration by the Bishop of Chester following in September 1826.

But the church's official celebrations of the anniversary have been arranged to coincide with All Saints' Day on November 1.

Mrs Betty Heyworth, the former church warden and chairman of the 175 committee, which is in charge of organising the events, said: "We held a special service in September to commemorate the consecration but our main celebrations will begin next week."

The Whitefield church is steeped in history and interesting facts about the building and fittings can be discovered at an exhibition in the church next Friday and Saturday.

The display will also feature old photos and memorabilia from parishioners.

Said Mrs Heyworth: "One of the most interesting items is something we discovered tucked away in a room.

"It is a wooden plaque informing women of the day to wear something over their clogs to protect the floor. We want lots of people to come along and hopefully stir up some memories."

There will also be a craft fair in the church hall next weekend and musical entertainment throughout the week.

Full details are as follows: Sunday, October 28, 10.30am: sung eucharist

Monday, October 29, 7.30pm in church: music from the shows presented by Whitefield Operatic Society and reading and Lancashire dialect by the Garrick Theatre. Admission £3.

Tuesday, October 30, 7pm in church: music by pupils from All Saints Primary School and Philips High School. Admission £3.

Thursday, November 1, 7.30pm in church: All Saints' Day, sung eucharist.

Friday, November 2, 10am to 7pm; and Saturday, Nov 3, 10am to 5pm in church and church hall: All Saints 175 exhibition and craft fair.

Friday, November 2, 7.30pm in church: service for All Souls.

Saturday, November 3, 7.30pm in church: organ recital by William McVicar. Admission £5.

Sunday, November 4, from 10.30am in church: sung eucharist, followed by a parish lunch in the church hall and favourite hymns in church at 3pm.