A CATHOLIC community in north-west Durham is preparing to mark the 50th birthday of its church after renovation.

St Teresa's in James Street, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, opened on December 17, 1953, with cash raised by residents, who had previously travelled to worship at St Patrick's in nearby Dipton, or St Joseph's in Stanley.

Half a century on, the congregation has raised cash again to refurbish the church in time for the jubilee celebrations.

The centrepiece is four leaded windows, depicting religious scenes and one marking the town's mining heritage.

There is one of St Teresa, one of the Lindisfarne Gospels, one of St Cuthbert and one of a coal pit head.

Parish priest Fr Michael McKenna said: "The windows are staggering. I cannot believe how magnificent they are."

Volunteers have also made alterations inside the church. There is now an office area, they have moved the sanctuary, removed the old-fashioned confessional and built a new vestry.

The bulk of the work has been done by members of the congregation, saving the parish about £3,000 in labour costs.

Ken Gibson, chairman of the parochial parish council and a retired builder, who led the team, said: "The people of the parish are really hands-on and will get stuck in.

"A dozen of them have come along and done whatever has needed to be done. They have been fantastic."

The celebrations begin on Wednesday, with Mass at 11.30am. In the afternoon, there will be an exhibition of photographs and film of Stanley and Annfield Plain over the past 50 years.

The Rt Rev Ambrose Griffiths, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, will attend, as will priests from across the deanery. Fr Joe Marren, a native of the parish, will preach at Mass.

The congregation will include some founder members of the church, such as Sommena Greener and the original church organist, Betty Rundle. The day is brought to a close with a thanksgiving service at 7pm.

A booklet outlining the history of the church has been produced by Mr Gibson, who is also an amateur historian.

For more details of the celebrations, contact Fr McKenna, on (01207) 570209, or Mr Gibson on 0191-370 2730