ONE of the district’s historic churches is set to close later this year due to falling congregation numbers.

Langley Primitive Methodist Church has served its tiny community since 1870.

In addition to regular Sunday services, it has hosted weddings and funerals, as well as fund-raising and social events over the years.

But the rural church now has just eight members, who have agreed that the facility is no longer viable.

Long-serving member Frances Wise, who is also the church organist, said Langley Methodists had always enjoyed an active church calendar, with memorable harvest festival, Easter, and Christmas services.

Mrs Wise said the church would continue to operate throughout the summer, before closing in September.

She added: “The church has been at the heart of the community here. It has been a big part of our lives and we all have many memories.

“Society has changed. Almost everybody went to church in decades gone by. It’s just what you did.

“I think there are more choices for people nowadays, and not so many people come along. It’s sad, but we can’t carry on with such few members.”

Langley falls within the Hexham West End section of the Tynedale Methodist Circuit, covered by the Rev. Paul Dunstan.