LAY leader Judith Crompton made history on Mothering Sunday, by being the first Unitarian "dissenter" to preach at Rivington Parish Church since 1662 - ending hundreds of years of church rivalry in the village.

Mrs Crompton also did the double, by giving her final service at her own chapel on the Green at Rivington, where she has been for 18 years.

She was invited to make the historic address at the parish church by Rivington's Rev Irvine Delamore who said: "An invitation to a Unitarian is long overdue."

Judith told the congregation that there had been great rivalry between church and chapel in the village in the past but the relationship today was friendly and fruitful.

The break up stemmed back to 17th century when the Rev Samuel Newton and his followers were ejected from the Church.

They worshipped in secret on Winter Hill and in a barn at Sheep House Lane, until they were able to build a simple chapel todays chapel on the green.

During her time at the chapel, Mrs Crompton has led the congregation in its renovation, served as national president of the Unitarian General Assembly from 2000 to 2001, and organised five Pilgrimages, when Unitarians from around the country meet at the Rivington Barn and process to the chapel for a service.

She was presented with retirement gifts which included a garden swing and a ride in a hot air balloon. She is succeeded by Reverend Helen Mills.