AN order of nuns will celebrate the 300th anniversary on Sunday. The Daughters of Wisdom arrived in Chorley on Valentine's Day in 1914 and were based at Gillibrand Hall, helping women with learning difficulties.

Sister Marie Winifrede became the first headmistress of St Joseph's RC Primary School, Cedar Road, Chorley, in October the same year.

After the centre closed, a decade ago, the sisters moved to St Mary's parish where they remain to help people in the parish.

This week they are celebrating 300 years since the order was founded in France by St Louis Marie Grignion and Marie Louise Trichet. The two remaining nuns in Chorley continue the order's tradition of "hospitality and availability" by helping parishioners with problems.

A celebration for all Daughters of Wisdom in the North West will be held at Lytham this weekend.

The sisters have also built a display depicting the history of the order in St Mary's RC Church in the town centre.

Sister Paschal said: "It is a great honour to be included in the 300-year celebrations. It's really been a marvellous achievement for the Daughters of Wisdom.

"As an order we try to be here for anyone who needs our help."