A STRIKING banner is going up on Saturday to mark the 200th anniversary this year of Haslington and Crewe United Reformed Church at The Dingle in Haslington.

It will be followed by a service on Sunday at 10.30am, led by the Rev Ruth Allan, which will launch the special year. An open invitation is being extended to people to come along.

Each month of the year will have a special focus with January also seeing the start of the building of a ‘prayer cairn’ with church members and friends each bringing back a pebble from their travels, home or garden.

Other highlights include a Friendship Service on April 13, and a 200th anniversary services on June 8 which will include a visit by the Rev Howard Sharp, Moderator of the Mersey Synod of the United Reformed Church.