THE group behind the £4.8 million project to turn All Soul’s Church into a space age community centre is repeating its plea for people with connections to the grade II listed building to come forward with their recollections.

All Soul’s Crompton Community Centre in Halliwell, has had a good response to its initial appeal, but it wants to continue to build on the flow of nostalgia surrounding the church.

Project officer Amy Llewellyn said: “We’re hoping to get local people involved in contributing to a long term exhibition here.

“There will be a lot of events in the run-up to the opening, and our goal is to make this place a real public asset for Bolton.

“We’ve had some encouraging responses so far.

"This is an exciting opportunity for members of the community to share their own personal stories and be part of a local heritage event.

"Our starting point will be people living in the local area, but anyone with any connection to the church or the area is welcome to contribute, no matter where they live now.”

Recent submissions have included photo-graphs of people at the church in the 1960s, including photos of a service, a walking day procession, and a wedding.

Many of these were sent in by Ian Ball, whose family have been involved with the church for generations.

He said: “I was brought up attending All Soul’s in the 1970s and early 1980s. My aunt and uncle were married there and my mother attended as a girl.

"There are pictures of her as Sunday School rose queen from the 1960s.

"I am delighted that this magnificent space will find a new use, benefiting the community once again. I wish the new team at All Souls every success with this exciting venture.”

Anyone wishing to become part of the All Souls story should send their information to shareyourstory@allsouls Pictures should be sent in jpg format.

People can start sharing immediately, and All Soul’s Bolton will continue to welcome contributions until the centre opens in autumn 2014, and beyond.