A METHODIST church in Mickley has held its final service, as it closed its doors after over 100 years of worship.

Mount Pleasant Methodist Church, on Stonybank Way in Mickley, has seen attendance falling and with fewer members remaining, the building could no longer be kept open for worship.

The service celebrated the life of the church and thanked everyone in the community who had supported it over the years.

The Rev. Jenny Porterpryde said: “The church has been in use since 1911.

“Over the years many local people gathered to share memories of happy times in church and Sunday school, and chapel trips to the seaside.

“As the need for more innovative and imaginative forms of worship have increased, Mickley, like many other churches, has sought to connect with people in other ways at other times in the week.

“To this end, the Craft Church at Mickley Methodist Church will continue to meet every Wednesday evening at 7pm to make items for charity, share worship and support one another.”

The Craft Church is currently exploring other possible venues in the village, but will meet at Stocksfield Methodist Church until further notice.

Those who gathered for the final service enjoyed a cake, with an iced sculpture of the chapel on it, created by local cake decorator Clare Robson.