WHEN Coronation Street's Alec Gilroy said he was upping sticks and leaving Weatherfield for pastures new, none expected him to turn up in a Preston church.

But the veteran star - alias actor Roy Barraclough - will swap his Brighton pub for Ashton Methodist Church, Wellington Road, on April 17 when he officially launches a new appeal at the church.

In the top soap Alec Gilroy has left to run a pub in Brighton with his daughter.

In real life, Roy Barraclough, pictured, will be appearing at the church to launch a £750,000 appeal to help fund redevelopment at the church.

It is hoped the money raised will enable work to begin on converting the rundown church hall into a full blown youth and community centre, while the main church building will be fully refurbished inside.

The church's tower will also be restored to its former glory. Church bosses say they are capitalising on a bad situation and turning it to the advantage of the whole community.

Members of the congregation were delighted to hear that Roy had agreed to appear after he was told of the church's appeal by an old school friend, who sits on the church's development committee.

Local Methodist Minister, the Rev Tony Farrar said: "We are delighted Roy has agreed to come along and launch our appeal.

"We are expecting hundreds of people to turn up.

"Ashton Methodist Church is at the heart of the community and its facilities are there for everyone in the district.

"When people come and visit Roy, they will be able to view our exciting plans."

It is hoped that when the new centre is up and running, youth officers will also be based there to provide support for the community.

Church-goer Tony Billington added: "So much is closing down in Ashton at the moment. We want to reverse that trend and this new centre will do just that."

Other attractions at the fun day, which kicks off at 2.30pm with an official launch of the appeal pencilled in for 3pm, include a bouncy castle, balloon race and fancy dress competition.

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