A BOOK detailing the six decades of a north Durham church has been released.

A History of The Grove Methodist Church has been published and is available to purchase at a cost of £6 per copy.

It attempts to span a history of more than 60 years in the life of the church and includes a number of old photographs of members and events over the years.

Copies of original documents are also included, which were obtained from the county archives in Durham.

The book gives an insight into the tremendous struggle experienced over five long years by the founders and supporters, prior to the opening of the building on December 10, 1938.

It is not only a book about the church, but also a history of a small, quite poor community and the struggle to establish a place of worship in what was then the new and growing community of The Grove and Moorside.

A cheese and wine evening will be held at the church on Monday, at 7pm, where the book will be launched.

All those who are interested in the event or wish to purchase a copy of the book will be very welcome to attend.

Copies can be posted to anyone unable to attend the launch, at a cost of £7.30, this includes postage.

To get a copy, call (01207) 509493 or (01207) 508640.