CHURCH-goers in Stourport are busy preparing for a major celebration as their "new" building marks its silver jubilee.

It is 25 years since the modern St Michael's Church was opened, following the demolition of the old church after it was badly damaged in the storm of 1976.

The anniversary is being marked with an open weekend from Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26, when the church will host a flower and craft festival.

The history of the church will be told through a photographic display and there will be a silent video presentation of the church being built.

On the Saturday evening there will be a concert by the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association Band and a barbecue at the church.

The congregation will also celebrate with a supper at The Granary Restaurant at Shenstone on Wednesday, September 28 and a civic service will be held on Tuesday, November 1, the eve of the dedication anniversary.

Parochial church council secretary, Peter Dillistone, said the old church, which had never been finished, was about 100 years old when it was irrevocably damaged in the storm, which ripped off part of the roof.

The building was already in a poor state, having been affected by leaks, and the parapets were crumbling.

There has been a church on the site since 1200AD and the "new" building was the fourth to be built there.