A BOLTON church congregation has shown that the community spirit is alive and kicking.

Over the past five months the congregation at Birtenshaw Methodist Church, Bromley Cross, has embarked on a major overhaul of the premises.

The men and women who regularly attend the church along with their friends have been redecorating and refurbishing.

The doors of the church were closed in July and since then all Sunday services have been held in the Sunday school hall.

What started out as a face-lift soon became a major overhaul as when the volunteers started cleaning in preparation for serious work to start.

Plaster from the ceiling fell down and a complete re-plaster job was needed.

This delayed work weeks and pushed the cost of the project skywards.

"Members and friends have been very generous," said Minister the Rev John Butterfield.

"We have had many donations as well as running fund-raising events to pay for the work.

"We are all very pleased with the outcome and the church now looks beautiful. The children in the church are busy rehearsing for the nativity play which this year will be a real celebration," he added.

The church officially re-opens for the annual Nativity service at 10.30am tomorrow. At 6pm there will be a traditional service of lessons and carols by candlelight.

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