Unitarian churches in Bradford are to hold a heritage open day to celebrate the Millennium.

The churches - in Manchester Road, Russell Street, off Trinity Road, Bradford, and Pepper Hill, Shelf - will be open to the public on Saturday, May 13 as part of a summer-long programme of events across the country.

Kate Taylor, president of the Yorkshire Unitarian Union, said: "We have some beautiful churches and chapels in Bradford and this will be an opportunity to see them close up. Variety is the key - all the buildings are very different and that makes them special."

Broadway Avenue Unitarian Church, in Manchester Road, was built in 1906 and is used during the week as an educational facility.

Russell Street Unitarian Church is the most modern and elegant of the three buildings and was opened in 1971. Designed by Leeds architects, Kitson and Partners, it replaced a gothic building but retained the Victorian stained glass.

It has a flexible worship area which allows for a variety of seating arrangements for meditation services and more traditional forms of worship.

Its site is now shared by the Society of Friends which has an adjoining meeting house.

The oldest building, Pepper Hill Unitarian Chapel, Shelf, opened in 1862 and is a small, stone-built meeting house comprising intricate art deco windows.

It is also the highest Unitarian chapel in the country at 1,000 feet.

Ms Taylor said: "We decided that we wanted to do something different to mark the Millennium and as well as the open days there will be a series of talks.

"All the buildings are interesting and have something to offer.

"A member of the congregation will be at each building to explain some of its history.''

The churches will be open to everyone from 10am to 3pm. The event is free.

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