BIRTHDAY celebrations were held at Christ Church in Walmersley on Sunday when the parish marked 175 years since its creation.

A congregation of almost 200 gathered for a special thanksgiving service which was led by the Vicar, the Rev Dave Thompson, with the Rev Dr John Findon, Rector of Bury and a patron of the parish, preaching.

Afterwards, there was a birthday cake for everyone to share and a chance to see items of memorabilia which were on show to recall particular episodes of parish history and its story over 175 years.

In 1838, Walmersley was some two miles north of Bury — a farming community which grew into a vibrant village as the industrial age arrived with mills and workshops.

Today, it has grown into a suburb of Bury, near to town, but on the edge of countryside.

Much may have changed but one thing has remained constant is that Christ Church commands a place at the centre of the community.