ON Tuesday October 26 1852, residents of Gargrave gathered at St Andrew's Church, to witness the consecration of their "handsome" new church. Exactly 150 years later church members are celebrating the anniversary of that historic event.

The first permanent St Andrew's church was built in 1521, paid for by the abbott of Sawley, the Bank family of Bank Newton and the parishioners. It replaced the wooden churches, which dated back to the 9th and 10th centuries - there are still Anglo-Danish crosses on display in the church.

The 1521 church's main body was pulled down in 1850 as it was in such a poor state, but the substantial tower was left standing. Two years later records report that a £4,000 "handsome church of a more ecclesiastical appearance was raised on the ancient site."

It is the anniversary of this re-build that members are celebrating and it has taken them the last 18 months to plan anniversary events fitting for such an occasion.

Already the church has welcomed a vicar-cum-professional clown from Bristol who gave a service with a difference at the church.

And costume historian Bernadette Atkinson helped the anniversary events along with a display of costumes from 1852 to the present day last weekend. But the weekend beginning Friday October 25 is the culmination of the celebrations. They start at 7.30pm with the opening of the main event, a flower festival.

On Saturday, between 10am and 6pm, the church will be open for visitors to see the exhibits, and at 5pm bellringers will ring out the anniversary. At 7.30pm Dennis French will give an illustrated talk on Gargrave 1852 to Present Day. Entry is £2.

The Sunday will begin with communion at 9am and a 150th anniversary service at 10.30am. The flower festival exhibits will be on show from noon and choral evensong will start at 4pm, after which flower arrangements will be auctioned. The flowers will still be on show on the Monday.

The church's celebrations committee is planning to produce a booklet about the history of the church. However, they are still looking for information. Does anyone know where St Andrew's church-goers worshipped in Gargrave during the two years the building was being re-built 150 years ago?

And does anyone know anything about William Anderton, who built the church and whose tomb is in the church yard?

Any answers should be sent to Jerry Ford, 27 Marton Road, Gargrave. Tel 01756 748563.