FOR bride and groom Emma Edwards and Ian Wolstencroft it should have been a simple last minute look around the church before their wedding.

But when the couple arrived at St Stephen's, in Kearsley, two days before the big day, they found what was more like a building site than a fairytale venue for their marriage.

A routine inspection by the Church of England had discovered that the roof was unsafe and large chunks of concrete could fall and injure parishioners any minute.

Thanks to the efforts of builders, rushed in to make it safe, the wedding proved to be the dream day that nurse Emma, aged 23, and bus driver Ian, aged 25, had hoped for. However, the church now faces permanent closure unless it can raise £500,000.

Rev Kevin Wainwright was told that the building was unsafe after a five-yearly inspection at the Blair Street church by a diocese architect two weeks ago.

"We couldn't use the main part of the church because the roof is made of concrete and someone could be seriously injured or even killed," he said.

"We called builders in at short notice to pull down the dangerous plaster. We couldn't let the couple down on their big day.

"However, we are now left with large patches which let the rain in and we don't have the money to fix it."

The last-minute rescue was being carried out by Blakeley, Tonge and Partners.

Bridegroom Ian said: "When we got to the church it was a bit of a shock but we were not worried because the vicar promised it would all be sorted by Saturday.

"We were glad about that but obviously upset for the church about its situation."

Nine bids for grants to restore the 130-year-old church have been rejected because it is not a listed building.

Donations can sent payable to The Independent Restoration Fund for St Stephen's Church to Glen View, Sandhole Road, Kearsley, Bolton, BL4 8QN.