CEREMONIAL robes dating from the Reformation were used at a special Mass to celebrate the 150th anniversary at St Mary's RC Church, Burnley.

The ancient robes are known as the Towneley vestments and among those in the congregation at the time was Sir Simon Towneley. Also used was the chalice presented to the first parish priest Fr Rimmer in 1846.

A number of priests took part in the service, including Canon Francis Deeney, parish priest for many years before moving to Ribchester, Rural Dean Dennis Dwyer, of St Philip's, Padiham, Fr Josh Sheeky, an old boy of the parish and now parish priest at Christ the King and Fr David Lannon, parish priest.

The gospel was read by Fr Peter McGiveron, a former curate at St Mary's and now at St Alphonsus, Stretford.

The choir consisted of students at St Theodore's High School and members of the parish.

Other guests at the service included the Mayor and Mayoress of Burnley, Coun Edward Fisk and Mrs Pat Chadwick, Burnley MP Peter Pike and members of the Knights of St Columba.

Various social events are also taking place to celebrate the church's long history including a sixties quiz night on Friday and a family barbecue on August 15.

On September 12 there will be a further service to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the church's consecration.

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