A THOUSAND people gathered to celebrate the opening weekend of a new community Methodist church.

The new Triangle Methodist Church has opened in Chorley Old Road and 500 people enjoyed a look around on an open day.

Another 500 people chose to attend dedication and songs of praise services the following day.

Local residents have watched the new church take shape over the past year and were impressed with a building combining traditional stained glass windows with a modern, open-plan layout.

The church will also house a new coffee lounge which will be open five days a week between 10am and 2.30pm.

Several church members, who have been campaigning for a new church to be created for some time, were visibly moved by the opening of the building.

The church's new minister, the Rev Hilary Howarth, said: “It is such a joy to be here in this beautiful building which is the culmination of five years of dedicated effort by the four Methodist churches who have joined together to become the Triangle.

“We can now go forward with confidence knowing that we have a building which is a place for everyone and where everyone is welcome”.

The new church was dedicated by the President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Ken Howcroft, from Bolton, who brought prayers and greetings from the whole Methodist community across the UK. The Superintendent Minister for the Bolton Circuit, the Rev Jennifer Mc Kenzie, was also full of praise for the achievement and believes that the new church will now play a key role in serving God and the local community.