The service celebrating John Wesley's first visit to Weardale, on May 26, 1752, is being held at High House Chapel, Ireshopeburn, at 3pm on Sunday.

It will be led by the Reverend Les Hann, minister for the dale, and the address will be given by the Reverend Graham Carter, chairman of the Darlington Methodist District. The Reverend Philip Greenhalgh, area dean for Upper Weardale, will also take part.

After the service, teas will be served at the Weardale Inn by Philip and Sandra Healey, where cars can be parked for the service.

At High House, a service will be held at Newbiggin Chapel in Upper Teesdale on Sunday, at 6pm. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact Maxine Raine on (01388) 537214.

High House Chapel is next to the Weardale Inn, off the A689 main Stanhope to Alston road at Ireshopeburn. A bus service, courtesy of Weardale Motors, will leave Wolsingham at 1.30pm and Stanhope at 1.50pm, picking up at main centres in the dale.

* In a special report in tomorrow's Northern Echo, we look at the lasting legacy of John Wesley's visit to Weardale and take a closer look at plans to commemorate his first visit.