AMBLECOTE Wordsley Methodist Church celebrated its 175th anniversary on Saturday - with music and an exhibition displaying the history and activities of the church.

The milestone event was part of a drive to boost membership at the church, based on Amblecote High Street, after a turbulent few years.

In 1993 - much of the building was rebuilt after a road-widening scheme led to the destruction of half the chapel and the forecourt of the old church.

And between November 2009 and February 2010, £83,000 worth of repair work was undertaken - which included demolition of the Sunday School, the creation of a car park and a new level terrace. A leaking roof and faulty heating system were also repaired.

In recent years the church has set up a range of new activity groups, including a tea and natter group, a singing group and a new toddler group.

There is also the longstanding Young Wives Group, formed in 1976, who meet every other Thursday.

Membership of the church currently stands at 51 and long-standing worshipper Ian Pilkington said: "If we could attract a few new members that would be nice."

Anyone wishing to find out more can visit website http://www.valeofstour.org.uk/