A FASCINATING and well-illustrated display can be explored at an open day at St John's Church, Altrincham - celebrating its 150th anniversary and rich heritage.

It will take place on Saturday, September 10 between 10am and 4pm. Entry is free and light refreshments will be available.

Located just south of Altrincham town centre, the church of St John the Evangelist was opened in 1866.

Its new parish served the residents of the dense terraced housing of Newtown south of Lloyd Street and anticipated the increase in population and the building of many more houses with the coming of the commuter railway in 1849 to Manchester.

Manchester architect J. Medland Taylor undertook the design of the church, built of four different kinds of stone with a patterned slate roof.

He also designed the unusual stone font and pulpit. Stained glass windows were gradually added over the decades, some to the first vicar who was in place for 50 years, the Rev'd Frederick Wainwright and his family.

A unique window with the face taken from a photo of Norman Antrobus, who was a soldier killed in Flanders during the First World War, can also be seen.

In addition to the church, the history of the two associated schools - along with the Mission Church of St Elizabeth's in Newtown opened in 1890 - are covered by the display.

All are welcome to attend.