WORSHIPPERS have gathered at a Ferryhill church for the last time.

The town's Salvation Army Church is closing four years before its centenary, and a thanksgiving service was held last night to mark 96 years of continuous Christian worship there.

Local people and members of the Salvation Army travelled from across the Sedgefield area to help the small congregation bid farewell to the church.

The area minister, Major Rudi Bruinewoud, said that although the valedictory decommissioning service was a sad occasion for the community it was also a celebration of its history.

Major Bruinewoud said: "It has always been very active in the community, offering support for residents and helping community events.

"Members have always made a special contribution at Christmas time, have raised money for various projects in Ferryhill and Dean Bank and held social activities. Until 15 years ago, it had a wonderful brass band which was active throughout the area."

In the early 20th Century the church was a popular place of worship for mining families.

Over the years, the congregation has dwindled to single figures, forcing the Salvation Army to close the Eamont Street building.

It was a particularly sad day for three members, Bill and Winnie Anderson and her sister Eva Pearson, who have been attending the church for 70 years.

Major Bruinewoud said: "There will still be services at Spennymoor and West Cornforth. Unfortunately, Ferryhill became so small it could not be kept open. This church has been a very welcoming place to myself and others, the people are so very warm, kind and friendly. Sadly church closures are a sign of the times, but I hope that what seems to be the end of something can also be a new beginning for members."