THE first service will be held in the new Earlestown Baptist Church this Sunday with all the community invited to take part in the special occasion.

The event at the Crown Street church will start at 10am, with an official opening and open week to follow in late October.

Andrew Gale, from Toxteth Tabernacle Church will lead the service, in place of the previous pastor Bob Beckett, who died three years ago.

Valerie Singleton, church member, said: "It would have been five years this November since the last service so this is a great occasion for us all.

"We are looking forward to it immensely and it would be nice for the church to be full."

The church will officially open alongside the Crownway Community Centre on Saturday, October 22, at 2pm.

It will be followed by an open week of the centre from October 24 to 28 from 10am to 4pm each day.

During the open week, there will be a varied programme of events taking place for all ages of the community. Look out for more details in your Newton and Golborne Guardian.