A UNIQUE Bolton church is marking the '1500th anniversary' of the death of Saint Maxentius.

St Maxentius Church in Bradshaw is the only church in England with a dedication to the saint.

Each year, the church celebrates the feast of St Maxentius on the Sunday closest to his feast day — June 26 — but this year the Parochial Church Council led by vicar Janina Ainsworth, has planned a week of celebratory events and activities.

Rev Ainsworth said: “As the only church dedicated to St Maxentius, we are proud of our heritage and the responsibilities our dedication brings.

"The celebratory week promises to offer great fun and celebration and an opportunity for those living in our community who might not have visited us before, to come along and find our more about the church, the school and our varied and active associated organisations."

On Sunday June 21 there will be one single eucharist service at the church at 10am followed by the annual St Maxentius barbecue in the church grounds.

On Saturday June 27, an exhibition of works about St Maxentius’ life and about the church, created by pupils from the day school and members of the church council and congregation, will be displayed within the church and open to the public from 10am until 4pm.

On the same day a coffee morning will also be held in the church with hot and cold drinks and cakes and other goodies on sale, as well as games and activities for children in the church grounds.

In the evening a gala dinner will take place at Breightmet Golf Club with The Rt Revd Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton as the guest speaker, and entertainment from Bolton School Jazz Band.

Tickets are £30 each and need booking in advance.

On Sunday June 28, there will be one festal eucharist service at the church at 3.30pm, the service being lead by The Rt Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester.

This celebration service will be followed by drinks and cakes.

St Maxentius Church of England Church is based in Bolton Road in Bradshaw and is part of the Turton Moorland Team Ministry in the Walmsley Deanery.

There is evidence of a church or chapel being located at the Bradshaw site dating back to the early 1600s.

This year marks the 1500th anniversary of the death of St Maxentius, who was born in Agde, France in 445AD.

For more information about the church contact Claire Warner on claire@cwarner.co.uk or 07793 401477.