A DEVOTED band of women are trying to come to terms with the loss of a chapel, which has served Methodists in a dales village for 182 years.

Three of the six women - all that remain of the congregation at Westgate, in Weardale, chapel - have worshipped there since they were children.

They regard the chapel, the third to close in the dale in the last year, as a sad loss to a community, which was once a hotbed for Methodism.

The last service at the chapel, which has been in a bad state of repair since it was flooded six months ago, will be held on Sunday, June 3.

The future of the building is uncertain, but it is likely that it will eventually be put up for sale like neighbouring chapels at Wearhead and St John's Chapel.

The women - Anne Peart, Marilyn Curry, Marilyn Noddings, Anne Hunter, Dorothy Elliott and Maureen Shaw - have battled to try to keep the chapel open.

"We have tried everything," said Mrs Peart, who has worshipped there for 70 years.

"Money is not a problem - it's simply not being able to get enough bums on seats.

"It's an awful feeling that at the end of the day we are the people who are having to close the chapel. It's heartbreaking."

Marilyn Curry's father, cabinet maker Wilfrid Emerson, built the chapel lectern and carried out many repairs.

She can remember two services with packed congregations being held on Sundays. Today services are held on a rota basis with other chapels.

"Then there was the Sunday school," said Mrs Curry. "They were wonderful days. There was a children's concert, Christmas parties and a yearly outing, nearly always to the seaside."

Mrs Curry, who has worshipped at Westgate for more than 50 years, blames the steady decline in congregations on young people moving away from the dale to seek work.

"At one time, the chapel was the centre of community life. Everything revolved around it."

Marilyn Noddings first attended Sunday school at Westgate 58 years ago. She has been the chapel organist for the past 30 years.

The chapel has been home to 86-year-old Lily Parker, its caretaker for 50 years.

Although the future is certain, a spokesman for the West Durham Methodist Circuit said there were no plans to move her from her apartment above the old Sunday school.

The village Women's Institute will also carry on meeting in the building.

Westgate chapel was opened in 1825 by the Primitive Methodists. It was extended in 1870 to take in the present chapel.

Its loss leaves just five chapels in Weardale - at Wolsingham, Stanhope, Frosterley, Eastgate and High House, Ireshopeburn.

The Methodist congregation at Rookhope share services at the Anglican church.

* The service of Thanksgiving for the Working Witness and Fellowship at Westgate will be held at 3pm on Sunday, June 3.