THE only church in the Rossendale village of Water opened its doors and invited the public in for a summer fair on an American theme.

Eden Methodist Church, on Burnley Road East, is hoping the local community will make use of its large hall to hold meetings and as a base for groups.

The Independence Day event, which raised more than £500 for the upkeep of the church, was only the second summer fair to be held but church secretary Eileen Grimshaw said she hoped it would become an annual attraction in the village.

The church was built 124 years ago and in 1912 the building was extended to form a hall to be used as a village centre.

Eileen said: "What we are trying to do is open up the church to the local community and try to give the village something back."

Minister the Rev Janet Durbin has a congregation of just 12 but an increasing Sunday School of up to 20 children.

Cubs and Scouts for boys and girls also meet at the church every Thursday from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

The highlight of the fair was a model re-enactment of the battle for American independence given by the East Lancashire War Games Association.

Church organisations also organised stalls and held a barbecue.

And youngsters from the Water County Primary School choir entertained visitors, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale, Coun Molly Disley and Mary Leach.

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