A CHURCH is celebrating its 150th birthday this month following a major refurbishment.

The Church of Our Blessed Lady Immaculate, better known as St Mary's, Blackhill, Consett will mark its anniversary on Tuesday, September 25.

Bishop Kevin Dunn, from Newcastle, will say Mass and officially reopen the church after recent renovations.

The service is only part of the official celebrations, which also include an open day at a Catholic primary school, a booklet about the history of the church and guided tours by members of a local history society. All will take place in the same week.

Parish Priest Father Seamus Doyle said: "It's a very special time for the parish and, even though I've only been here a year-and-a-half, I can feel a sense of what it means to the local people.

"So much has happened in only the past ten or 20 years, never mind 150 years. But this is a good time to recap the history of the parish and to celebrate those 150 years, and also to find direction for the future."

The church, in Derwent Street, was opened on July 24, 1857, but, because of refurbishments, the celebrations were delayed until this month.

Changes to the church include a narthex, or lobby area, at the back of the main church, partitioning the seated area from the porch.

There is an improved ventilation system, new toilets and a reconciliation room, as well as improvements to the stonework and the decor, and it is hoped it all will be finished by September 25.

A 40-page booklet about the 150 years of the church is to be on sale at the same time.

Councillor Michael Malone, deputy leader of Derwentside District Council, is a member of the congregation.

He said: "This is a real milestone in the church's history and a lot of work has been done by the parish and the clergy to prepare for this.

"It is something we have been looking forward to for a long, long time and is a real cause for celebration."

An open day will take place from 10am to noon on September 25, at St Mary's RC Primary School, with an exhibition of historical photos of the parish collected by members of the Derwentside Catholic Family History Society.