A BOOK has been published charting the history of a Worth Valley church.

It covers developments at Lees Methodist Church from its founding in 1844 to the present day and was compiled by community stalwart Maurice Baren, 77, (pictured),who has been a church member for about 40 years.

The History of Lees Methodist Church costs £7 – or £8.50 with postage.

The book is available from Mr Baren at 4 Branwell Drive, Haworth BD22 8HG. Cheques should be made payable to Lees Methodist Church.

“There was a lot of research involved. Fortunately we have minutes books going back to the 1850s which I could refer to and I used the library.

“The book contains about 40 photographs, some of which have been loaned and others that we have taken ourselves.

“It’s been a fascinating project and I think it’s important such information is recorded.

“The church has been much more than just a place of worship over the years. It was taken over by the Bingley School Board in 1856, had an extensive library, staged many musical events and was even at one time a branch of the Penny Bank.”

“I started work on it last autumn,” said Mr Baren, 77, from Haworth.