THE Bishop of Ripon and Leeds will take a step back in time this weekend as part of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of a church.

St John's Church, in Bilton Lane, Harrogate, will hold Victorian- themed markets, music events and services on Saturday and Sunday to mark the anniversary.

At a Victorian service of matins, starting at 10am on Sunday, the congregation will be dressed in Victorian costumes, and the Right Reverend John Packer will preach while dressed as Bishop Robert Bickersteth, who consecrated St John's Bilton on November 12, 1857.

Bishop Packer said his clothing would not be too dissimilar to his own outfit.

He said: "I will be dressed simply in a black cassock, black chimere (a loose mantle) and academic hood - 19th Century Anglican bishops did not carry a staff or wear a mitre.

"Although the congregation are being encouraged to wear Victorian costume, this will be a genuine service of worship, and we shall, of course, hold the two minutes' silence for Remembrance Sunday."

The church was built for an agricultural community of 350 people and now serves a parish of 18,000.

One part of its Victorian heritage is to be restored. The original south door of the church, visible from Bilton Lane, will be re-opened, giving improved disabled access.

The weekend of celebrations will include a Victorian market from 10.30am to 2pm on Saturday, and a Victorian music hall show on the same evening, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available by contacting organisers on 01423- 565129.