A CHURCH celebrating its 450th anniversary has launched a charity appeal in a bid to renovate one of its historic heirlooms.

Volunteers at St James Church, Accrington, have organised a series of exhibitions on the parish's past to mark the anniversary.

A 200-year-old wall hanging, known as a hatchment, which was left exposed to the elements during recent refurbishments at the church, is part of the display.

The hatchment, which bears the seal of the famous Peel family, is being exhibited at the church.

And the local branch of Lancashire's Family History and Heraldry Society have agreed to help with renovation.

The group are still at the stage of estimating the cost of the work, but the church is on the look-out for sponsors.

The hatchment has been divided into squares and companies, organisations and individuals can sponsor their own personal piece.

Anyone interested in backing the scheme should contact Mrs Eve Howson at the church on weekdays.

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