A church is gearing up for its 150th anniversary next year.

The foundation stone of North Road Methodist Church, Durham City, was laid on May 4, 1853, and 15 months later, on August 13, 1854, it was officially opened.

Built in the Victorian classical style, it was established when the Crimean War was in its early stages and Queen Victoria still had 47 years left of her reign.

It was granted Grade II listed building status several years ago, and stands at the head of the shopping section of North Road as the street's most prominent building.

Durham City Council has recognised its value by offering a grant to help reinstate one of the church's main features - the cast-iron railings which once flanked it and the adjoining former Manse before being removed during the Second World War.

A church spokesman said: "Over the years, the church has seen many changes to itself. Externally, a caretaker's cottage and an extra vestry have been added, while internally, in 1974, the old fixed pews were removed, the pulpit lowered and access directly from the car park created.

"With the closure of the Jubilee Methodist Church, it became the only methodist church in North Road, and the congregations of the two churches united in what was to prove a most happy and successful relationship.

"North Road has had to adapt and change, and has always been prepared to do so."

During the Second World War, the schoolroom was used by servicemen as a sleeping area and today, several groups use the church during the day and evening.

Its members have planned a series of events to mark the anniversary and are appealing for suggestions from other groups that have celebrated similar occasions.