THE installation of a 63-year-old organ in a newly-constructed church is complete.

It was carefully moved piece by piece from the old Baptist Tabernacle, which stood in Wellington Street, Stockton.

It was first built in 1938, and provided the music for services for more than 60 years.

It has been silent since last Easter when the Tabernacle found temporary residence in Bayheath House, in the town's Prince Regent Street.

Margaret Cornwell, who has played the organ since 1972, is looking forward to renewing her acquaintance with the instrument.

She said: "It was always considered to be a very good organ. As tastes change, a few new stops have been added, but it's largely the same organ as was first built before the war.

"There is a new console for the church, which is the bit you sit at and play, but the actual organ including nearly all the pipes is the same.

"I'm very much looking forward to playing it in services again."

The new church, in The Square, has a state-of-the-art auditorium which features several aspects from the old church, including the baptistry pool and stained glass windows.