A CHURCH celebrating its 50th anniversary is to mark the occasion with two special events.

Both services will take place at Melbourne Road Methodist Church in Deane on Sunday.

The Rev Fraser Smith will take the first service at 11am and everyone is welcome to attend.

At 6pm members of churches throughout the Derby and Deane areas will gather at the church for another service when the Bolton Male Voice Choir will perform. Everyone is welcome.

Members of the small Methodist Church have organised various events throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary.

The year kicks off with an anniversary meal at the Hunting Lodge, Smithills Coaching House, on Saturday when more than a 100 current and former church members and friends will gather.

Speeches will be made by District Rev Keith Garner, Superintendent Rev Pat Brown, along with current church minister Mr Smith. Former ministers of the church will also be present.

Events co-ordinator for the anniversary, Victor Hindle, said: "We are only a small church but very friendly. I travel from Harwood to attend even though there is a church on my doorstep. We are organising many events and hope they will be well supported."