Millennium fever is gripping a Shipley church - nine weeks early.

A programme of events entitled Whose Millennium is it Anyway begins on Friday as part of St Peter's Church's 90th birthday celebrations.

They include an invitation to join the Vicar for a curry

The Rev Chris Edmondson said many of the events were deliberately being held away from the church.

"We want to remind people that whatever their beliefs, the reason we're all celebrating the Millennium is because it marks the 2000th anniversary of Christ's birth,'' he said

The programme opens with a quiz night at Shipley and District Social Club, Saltaire Road, on Friday. On Sunday, a children's fun session will be staged during morning worship at the Moorhead Lane church. The evening service will feature Songs of Praise-style hymn singing

Four churchgoers, including a doctor and a rock musician, will answer questions about faith and religion at Nab Wood Middle School from 8pm on Monday.

A Divine Blues night will be held at Shipley and District Social Club on Wednesday, with a ten-piece blues band and a talk by the Reverend Dave Banbur on avoiding the Blues in the 21st Century.

On Thursday, November 4 there's a choice of a family bonfire and fireworks at the Stanley Barker Hall, Fernhill Road, or joining the Reverend Edmondson for a 'Lads' Night Out' with a pint, curry and quiz.

Other events include a Gardeners' Question Time and a 'Girls' Night In'.

The series ends at the church on Saturday, November 6 when the Diocesan Officer for Evangelism, the Reverend Robin Gamble, will introduce people to "Millennium Man" with a presentation featuring music, dance, drama and video.

For information on any of the events or tickets call (01274) 400381.

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