A SPECIAL songs of praise event lifted the roof of Bolton Parish Church last night.

A congregation of up to 200 people attended the Bolton Festival event to sing 10 hymns chosen by regular members of the congregation.

And to lend them support the Salvation Army popped along too, as did the Mayor and Mayoress, Alan and Denise Wilkinson.

Organist Peter Pemrick provided the music accompaniment at the one-hour event which took place yesterday at 6.30pm. The chosen hymns were: Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Fight the Good Fight, I'm the Lord of the Dance, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Jerusalem, Praise My Soul The King of Heaven, When I Needed a Neighbour, Guide Me O'Thy Great Redeemer, Make Me A Channel of Your Peace, and The Day Thou Gave Us Lord is Ended.

Elizabeth Tatman said: "It went extremely well and everyone sang their hearts out. It made it such a special event we hope to repeat it next year and perhaps even make it annual."