Faith

Church members have given themselves the unenviable task of finding the longest-married living couple to have exchanged their vows at Christ Church in the village in Wessington so that they can play a key role in this year's celebration marking 150 years of worship at the church.

The pair will be guests of the Parochial Church Council at a special service of thanksgiving which will see them renew their vows alongside other couples married at the church. They will also be asked to cut the celebration cake and be presented with a special souvenir of the occasion.

Church warden Dorella Atkinson said: "We are anxious to contact as many couples as possible so that they can join us to give thanks for their marriages and for our special anniversary.

"Several couples have already come forward - including one who were married more than 50 years ago.

"But it doesn't matter if they've been married for 50 years or five years, couples who were married in Christ Church are welcome to join us."

The service, to be held on 26th April, will be conducted by the Rector, the Revd. Ralph Lawrence, and the Archdeacon of Chesterfield, the Ven. David Garnett.

There will also be an exhibition of church and village memorabilia from the past 150 years.

An inaugural service conducted by the Bishop of Derby took place recently in the church - and other planned events include a concert, senior citizens' lunch, Songs of Praise evening, and a painting competition for local children.