ONE of an area's oldest churches is to close after 123 years.

When it was built in 1878, South Bank Methodist Church, in Redcar Road, was one of three Methodist churches serving the area's large population.

It thrived during the industrial boom, when people came from all over the country to work in the steel industry, and in their leisure time, sought spiritual guidance.

But as the years passed, and people moved away, the congregation began to dwindle. Now it consists of only 33 pensioners, who have loyally supported the church for most of their lives.

Because of their age, they are unable to continue with the day-to-day tasks that are vital to its upkeep, making closure the only option.

The Reverend Len Karn, who took charge of the church a year ago, said: "The congregation is elderly, and people haven't got the energy to keep the place going.

"It has been brought to a head by three key people, who have not been able to attend because of illness.

"The caretaker is 82 and he doesn't want to be called out by the police at night to deal with vandalism."

As well as holding Sunday services, the church hosts a wives' group, meetings by the Churches Family Action Group, and a Talking Books for the Blind service. After Sunday, August 26, all activity there will cease.

Mr Karn said the congregation had made plans to attend other local churches.

He said the church's involvement in the area would continue through donations to the Family Action Group, which works with the community to reduce disorder.

He said: "It's a very sad time for South Bank as it has been unique in developing the social and community life it has. It seems to be a crumbling shell of what it used to be."

Mr Karn said several options for the building's future were being discussed, including selling it or renting it out. He thought demolition unlikely.