BOLTON Parish Church will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its consecration on June 29, St Peter’s Day.

A special service is being held at that the church at 7pm to which all are welcome.

The church, also known as St Peter's Church, was opened in 1871, and built as a replacement for its 15th century predecessor, which had fallen into disrepair.

It was built as a cost of £47,000, a gift from local philanthropist Peter Ormrod, a wealthy cotton manufacturer and banker. The chapel at the east end of the church is dedicated to his memory.

The Vicar of Bolton, Canon Chris Bracegirdle said:“This has been a site for Christian worship for 1200 years and the magnificent building we have now is here through the generosity of many people over the generations.

"Like everyone else, when it comes to our celebrations, we have had to change our plans many times.

"However, it is still our hope that in our generation, we can do everything possible to ensure that this church is here for the worship of God and for his people in this town for generations to come”.

The current Grade 11* listed building was consecrated and reopened by Bishop James Fraser, the Bishop of Manchester, in June,1871.

It is thought that there have been about four different buildings on the site at different times and evidence previously found suggests that the first building dated back as far as Saxon times.

It is understood work on the medieval building started in about 1300, but the main work took place around 1450.

When it fell into disrepair it was demolished to be replace by the church that stands in Churchgate today.

The tower is the highest parish church tower in Lancashire, 55 metres high.

It contains a peal of 13 bells, installed in 1974, and is also home to the original 1699 tenor bell, which is hung “dead” and rung electronically when the ringers are unavailable. It includes a stained glass window from the previous building.

The church, steeped in history, continues to be a major part of the history and heritage of Bolton.