The church, on Highthorn Road, first opened its doors in 1859 and to mark the occasion there will be a Victorian Fair on Saturday (July 4) from 2pm.

Magnificent organ

This will feature a magnificent 'Pierre Eich' fairground organ, and church members have also put together an exhibition to celebrate 150 years of parish life.

Vicar Andy Brewerton said: "It's going to be a terrific weekend and a fitting way to mark this special year in the life of St Thomas'.

"As a church we love having fun together, and we thought that an old fashioned Victorian Fair would be just the thing to celebrate with our community here in Kilnhurst."

In addition to the fair, there will be the launch of a book containing many old pictures of the church – on Friday (July 3) at 7.30pm.

Members of the public are also invited to join in a Songs of Praise evening on Sunday (July 5) at 6.30pm.

Both evenings will take place in church and are free to attend.