A BRIDE and bridegroom have created their own little piece of history by becoming the first couple to tie the knot at the 180-year-old Four Lane Ends Congregational Church in Affetside.

Last Saturday proved to be a memorable occasion in more ways than one for Ian Hill and Lois Bailey when they were married at the quaint stone church, a well-known community hub in the heart of the village.

Built in 1832, the Harwood Road church has been used for baptisms and funerals, as well as providing a home for St Anne’s Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society. But the church never had a licence for marriages until recently.

But all that changed at the weekend when the happy couple, who work in retail sales, walked down the aisle as 30 guests looked on. The ceremony was conducted by Reverend John Taylor.

Kath Hilton, a member of Tottington’s Amateur Dramatic Society who plays the organ at the church, helped the couple with their arrangements. Hoping this will be the first of many weddings, she said: “This is a beautiful part of Lancashire and the church has something special and relaxed that certainly lends itself to weddings.”

Lois, aged 29, who arrived at the church by horse and carriage said: “I wanted a small, simple wedding and was aware of the church. It was the perfect solution as the friendly charm and character of the building offered just what I was looking for.”

She and husband Ian, aged 36, who will live locally, are on honeymoon in Barcelona.

Four Lane Ends Congregational Church was built on a plot of land that was donated by local landowner Mr Woodcock to help “save the souls of the local people” and give them a place to worship. The original building was extended in 1930 to include two classrooms, a cellar and kitchen area.