CHURCH leaders say falling congregation numbers have left them with no choice but to close the last traditional place of worship in a Weardale village.

The Diocese of Durham started the lengthy closure procedure for St Michael and All Angels Church in Frosterley last month following a public meeting.

Attendance at the Sunday service has been in decline for years and there are no longer enough volunteers to help run the church, which was consecrated in 1869.

The news comes a year after Frosterley Methodist Church closed for similar reasons.

However, Reverend Brenda Bloomfield, curate at St Michael’s, said she hoped the monthly Breakfast Church at Frosterley Village Hall would fill the gap.

As well as serving at St Michael’s, Mrs Bloomfield helps Methodist minister Sue Peat run the Breakfast Church for people of all faiths and denominations.

“When people think of a church they think of a building but really a church is about the people,” said Mrs Bloomfield.

“Just because a church closes doesn’t mean that is the end. We can continue to come together in the Village Hall.”

Mrs Bloomfield said she was sad the church was closing but said there was no other option due to a lack of helpers.

“Unfortunately our church warden left the village three years ago,” she said.

“My husband and I have managed to keep things going but we are getting a bit elderly now and are finding it difficult.”

Stanhope area dean, Reverend Vince Fenton, said: “Sadly the Parochial Church Council at their annual meeting made the decision to ask the archdeacon to begin the closure process. The reason is simply that there is not enough support for the church and fewer and fewer people are attending.”

Organist Judith Bainbridge, who played at Frosterley Methodist Church, now provides the music at the Breakfast church. She encouraged people to come along to the next meeting at 9.30am on Saturday, May 20.

She said: “The Breakfast Church has been a great success. Sue and Brenda have a wonderful rapport and everyone receives a warm welcome.”