A PARISH church which has been the centre of its community for 150 years is marking the anniversary with a series of events.

An exhibition charting the history of St Luke's Church, in Ferryhill, and its role in the community will form the centrepiece of the celebrations.

The Reverend Keith Lumsdon, vicar of St Luke's, has updated a booklet about the town's history and church life, which was first published to mark its centenary in 1953.

The exhibition and book includes accounts of the early history of Ferryhill, rare documents from the early years of the church, and a section on St Luke's most charismatic vicar, Canon Thomas Lomax, who served from 1895 to 1940.

More recent developments in the church's history include the installation of the impressive Evett's stained glass windows, the purchase of a new organ, the work of the church today and aspects of Ferryhill life.

The exhibition opening service takes place this evening, when the oldest churchgoer, 89-year-old Margaret Brunskill, will cut an anniversary cake.

There are events taking place all week, including a dedication by the Right Reverend John Pritchard, the Bishop of Jarrow, on Tuesday, the official anniversary date.

Mr Lumsdon said it had taken two-and-a-half years to prepare the celebrations, but he wanted the event to be about the people of the church and not just the building.

He said: "It's been fascinating to research, not just the history of St Luke's, but its place as an integral part of Ferryhill. Even though people may not use the church, for a lot of the population it's still their church because it's been the centre of the community for so long."

Mr Lumsdon is still trying to find a photograph of the old St Cuthbert's Church, in Dean Bank, to complete the exhibition. Anyone who can help is asked to contact (01740) 651438.

Anniversary events - Today: Exhibition opening service,at 7pm.

Tomorrow: Exhibition open to all in parish centre, from 10am to 4pm; celebration concert, at 7pm.

Sunday: Sung Eucharist with Pastor Detlev Riemer, 9.30am; exhibition, from 2pm to 4pm.

Tuesday: Dedication day with the Bishop of Jarrow, at 7pm.

Wednesday: Talk by Canon David Rogerson about the stained glass of LC Evett, at 7pm.

Thursday: Service of thanksgiving for married couples, in St Luke's, at 7pm.

Friday, September 26: Youth service and pageant, at 7pm.

Saturday, September 27: Dinner party and celebration night, at 7pm.

Sunday, September 28: Sung Eucharist with the Reverend Peter Baldwin, at 9.30am; Ecumenical service with the churches of Ferryhill, at 6pm.