A BUSY weekend of events is being planned to celebrate the 90th anniversary of a Pool-in-Wharfedale church.

Members of Pool Methodist Church are gearing up to mark the occasion with a flower festival and special services from May 7 to 10.

Roger Bareham, of Old Pool Bank, said members had decided to celebrate the building of their church - it went up in 1909 - in advance of its centenary.

He said: "We thought it was worth doing something this year rather than waiting for another ten before marking the 100th anniversary - of course we can have another celebration then."

Events planned for the weekend include a a talents festival over the four days, with dancers from Pool CE School performing on Saturday, May 8.

A key feature of the celebrations will be a display of the history of the church, for which members are already starting work.

And they hope other members of the village will give them a hand by providing pictures of the area - particularly the church building and Main Street - during the past 90 years.

Mr Bareham said a press cutting of the opening of the chapel in 1909 had been found and would form the centrepiece to an anniversary display.

"We might produce a booklet on the history of the church in due course. In the meantime we would welcome any ideas people might have - we would like to get the whole village involved - and any items would be most welcome," he said.

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