The home of British spiritualism is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year with a fortnight of festivities.

Keighley's Heber Street Spiritualists' Society, the mother church of British spiritualism, starts two weeks of special events on Saturday.

During the two weeks of special events, clairvoyants, psychics and other special guests from across the country will be visiting the Heber Street church.

President Brian Welham said the celebrations were an important part of the town's heritage.

He said: "This is 150 years, which is a marvellous milestone. It is an interesting event for Keighley because it is part of Keighley's history."

Mr Welham, who said the church was well attended, added that the programme of events befitted the grandeur of the occasion.

He said: "It was the first spiritualist church in the country and so we are looking forward to an excellent programme for the celebrations.

"And on the final night, Duncan Gascoyne -- the President of the Spiritualists' National Union -- is coming to re-dedicate the church."

The spiritual movement started in this country in 1853 when David Richmond, having failed in Darlington, brought news from America to David Weatherhead of Keighley.

The pair gave a series of lectures at the Working Men's Hall, Sun Street, resulting in the society being founded.

From Keighley, modern spiritualism spread throughout the country and now almost every major town and city has a spiritualist church or group.

In 1871, the society held its meetings at the Lyceum Buildings, East Parade, with larger events using the Working Men's Hall.

After a brief division of membership in 1884, the reunified body purchased the Wesleyan school 11 years later, and the society is still based there today.

In 1897, the society became part of the Spritualists' National Union and in 1934 the church was renamed The Heber Street Spiritualists' Society.

Anybody is welcome at the events but places will be limited simply because of the church's capacity.

More details about the programme are available by visiting the website at www.spiritualistchurchkeighley.co.uk or by phoning 01535 647080.