A BROMLEY Cross church is celebrating after having its first stained glass window installed ­— 25 years after it was built.

When St Andrew’s Church in Queens Avenue, Bromley Cross, was erected back in 1994, there was not enough money left over to install a stained glass window.

In 2002, members of the congregation decided to start saving up with the aim of having one created.

Work finally began on the window earlier this year ­— 17 years on.

The Stained Leaded Company, which is based in Waters Meeting Road, were commissioned to design and create the window, which was unveiled on Sunday at a ceremony attended by ward councillors and the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker.

They were joined by more than 100 others, who turned out to see the window looking resplendent in the early summer sun.

Gary Charnock, church warden at St Andrew’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted.

“This is something we have wanted for a long time.

“Having a window gives us a real sense of a community church rather than just a community centre.

“We now feel like we have got a focal point to our church.”

Bishop David dedicated the window, which depicts St Andrew in a boat along with a scripture where Jesus says to Andrew and his brother Peter: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, before members of the congregation enjoyed afternoon tea.

As well as religious services, the church also hosts a play and dance groups.