VILLAGERS have spoken of their sadness after it emerged a Wear Valley church dating back more than 120 years is facing closure.

Falling attendances mean the church of St Mary the Virgin, in Howden-le-Wear, could close within 12 months.

Sunday services at the church, which was opened in 1884, now attract just a dozen or so regulars.

Barbara Browbank, who has worshipped at St Mary the Virgin for more than 60 years, said: "It will be very sad to see the church close.

"We've fought it as much as we possibly could but our numbers are dwindling and we can't afford to keep it open any longer."

John Bailey, Howden-le-Wear's district councillor, said he was also saddened.

He said: "My nephew was married at the church and I had two nephews and a niece Christened there, but we can't make objections if the people there want to close."

Fr Stewart Irwin, the church's vicar, said: "The people who worship at St Mary's have an attachment to the building.

"There are people who have worshipped there for many years."

The first stage of the process of closing the church has already been completed.

However, a committee of the Church of England must now discuss the issue, probably in March.

Fr Irwin, who has served the church since 1995, said: "Numbers have been declining, but no decision has yet been taken on closure."

Miss Browbank said: "If we thought there was any chance of it staying open we would take it, but I can't see any way."

St Mary's, which cost £1,400, took 15 years to build.

It used to boast a church hall but this was demolished in 1994.

If the church was closed, the parish would be divided between the neighbouring Hunwick and Crook churches.

Howden-le-Wear would still have a Methodist chapel, which is situated in Bridge Street.