REBUILDING work following a blaze which swept through Atherton Parish Church has been finally completed 10 years on.

Friday's official opening of St Anne's Hall at 11am will mark the last stage in the £1m-plus recovery of St John the Baptist.

The hall in the east end of the church has been named after Hindsford Parish Church, which closed in recent years, and will carry a plaque to mark the work of Professor Eric Laithwaite -- the world renowned scientist -- who was born in Atherton and baptised in the church. The ceremony will be performed by Cllr Sue Loudon and Norman Whittington, a former church warden at St Anne's.

Atherton, Hindsford and Howe Bridge Team Ministry Rector, Dr Robert Buckley, said: "I am thrilled that this facility will bring church and community even closer together, and as a scientist it is great to have the Laithwaite plaque in memory of one of my heroes."

Meanwhile verger Roy Battersby is set for a golden double celebration -- with tributes from church leaders.

Last month he and his wife, Doreen, toasted their 50th wedding anniversary and this month he celebrates half a century as verger at the town centre church. St John's has organised a special service in his honour on October 17 at 11am.

And Mr Battersby hopes to continue in his post "as long as the Lord let's me".

He was praised by the Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev David Gillett, who declared: "What a marathon. All of us who know Roy give thanks for his many years of faithful service."

The Archbishop of York, the Rt Rev David Hope, told Mr Battersby: "I know the myriad of tasks which you undertake, many of them unseen, without which the church would be very much the poorer."

On October 16 at 6.30pm past and present members of another Atherton church, St Philip's, will celebrate the church's 90th anniversary with a Formby Hall dinner.

Dr Buckley and the Bishop of Bolton will speak and at 9am on October the Bishop will preach.

Dr Buckley said: "St Philip's has witnessed many changes in the community over the last 90 years and we look forward to being a part of the same community as we face the challenges and opportunities of the next 90 years."

On Sunday at St John's the Bishop will confirm 40 pupils from Atherton St Philip's and St George's schools , Hindsford St Anne's and St Michael and All Angels, Howe Bridge.