A £500,000 project to refurbish Bolton Parish Church — installing CCTV, floodlighting and a state of the art heating system — is set to be unveiled.

Work has been taking place throughout the summer to install the new heating system in the church, to fit steel supports under the floor in a bid to prevent it from caving in as well as the installation of new CCTV cameras to improve security.

The church will open its doors for its annual heritage open day, when people are invited to take a tour of the building and climb to the top of its tower to take in some panoramic views of the town.

They can also find out more about the work which has been carried out by contractors HH Smith.

Cllr John Walsh, the church's warden, said the new heating system would also have its grand unveiling on Saturday, and will be turned on for the first time to mark the occasion.

There will also be music recitals, concerts and the opportunity for people to take some quiet time in church.

He said: "We will have some displays on show, highlighting the work which has been done.

"It has been a long project and it is very rewarding to see it all come together now.

"People will be able to come into a warm church for the first time in a while, and with the introduction of CCTV and outdoor lighting the security of the church has been improved as well."

The current church, which is also known as St Peter’s Church, was built as a replacement for its 15th century predecessor which had fallen into disrepair.

The current building was consecrated and reopened by Bishop James Fraser, the Bishop of Manchester, in June,1871.

The Victorian gothic church was designed by Lancashire architect E J Paley and paid for by wealthy cotton manufacturer Peter Ormrod.

Cllr Walsh added: "I would encourage people to come down to the open day — there will be something of interest to everyone with the history of the church."

The open day runs from 10am to 4pm.