FIFTY years ago, an award-winning church opened its doors for the first time to the people of a North-East new town.

Now St Cuthbert's, in Peterlee, is preparing to celebrate its golden jubilee.

The construction of the new town of Peterlee began in 1953, and soon after, members of the Anglican worshipping community began to meet.

As the church became established, planning began for the building of a new parish church in the town's Manor Way.

The first steps towards the building work came in a procession of witness to the site, on Ascension Day in 1954, when a cross made from oak from Castle Eden Dene was placed on the site.

The building was designed and the work was carried out by Cordingly and McIntyre, of Durham City. It was later awarded a bronze medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The church, which seats 500, is the biggest in the diocese and was built in 15 months at a cost of £40,000.

The first vicar was the Reverend Reginald Beevers, followed by the Reverend Theodore John Lee Warner, until 1964, when the Reverend Keith Woodhouse became vicar until 1999.

The present vicar is the Reverend Peter Templeman, whose wife, Ann, is headteacher at Durham High School for Girls and the curate of the church.

Mr Templeman, former chaplain to St John's College Cambridge, said the church was looking forward to its celebrations.

He said: "Over the years, thousands of people have worshipped at St Cuthbert's. They have been married there, their children have been baptised and hundreds of children have gone through the doors of the Sunday school."

Celebrations will begin with a flower festival and local history exhibition from June 7 to 10.

On June 8, a gala ball will be staged at Shotton Hall, and on June 10, a celebration family service will be held. On June 17, there will be a celebration service with the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Tom Wright.