AT a time when Blackburn seems to be losing so much of its Victorian ancestry, it is good to know that Witton Parish Church, in Buncer Lane, which was built in 1838 when Queen Victoria began her reign, is very much alive.

People drive past on Buncer Lane, which is a very busy road, and, I'm sure, don't see this architectural masterpiece or know or care what's inside it.

To rectify this, the church is 'Open to View' throughout the weekend of September 21-23 and on display will be a historical exhibition of 163 years of its existence.

Many hundreds of people have been connected with this church in one form or another and they are invited to come along to see for themselves how St Mark's church has progressed over the years.

FRED BARNES, Secretary, St Mark's Church, Blackburn.