PLANS have been unveiled to give a new lease of life to a church known as the Pitman's Cathedral - including a free wedding service.

Pastor David Taylor and his wife, Barbara, of the Lighthouse Christian Centre, said they want to keep St Hild and St Helen's Church in Dawdon, Seaham, at the heart of the community.

They plan to offer a one-stop wedding service - including the free hire of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses - to couples with financial difficulties.

The church was closed five months ago because of dwindling congregations and spiralling maintenance costs. It is going through the process of being declared redundant by the Church of England.

Mr Taylor, a former miner based at the Independent Church in Stanley Street, Seaham, said: "We want to keep the church at the heart of the community and return it to its former glory.

"We have put forward proposals to create community rooms for mother and toddler and youth groups, as well as a drop-in centre."

He added: "Sometimes people want to get married in church, but they cannot afford it because it is expensive.

"We are hoping to get donations of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses and other wedding accoutrements, which we will be able to give out free of charge.

"We will be able to provide the church and the organist free - they will only have to pay for the registrar."

Prospective wedding partners will also be offered pre-marital counselling.

Mr Taylor said he was in talks with the Church Commissioners, who were supportive of the plans.

The church was built by Lord Londonderry, with money also coming from pitmen at Dawdon Colliery. Over the years, it became closely associated with the mining community.

The grade II-listed building was built by WH Wood to the design of C Hodgson Fowler in 1910.

The plans for the church can be viewed at Seaham Harbour Vicarage, in Maureen Terrace. Or email davidtaylor1954@hotmail.

com