A CHURCH which had been running for just 38 years faced possible demolition.

It was feared that St Gabriel's Church, Blackburn, built for £20,000 in 1931 could be knocked down soon after this photograph was taken in April 18, 1969. The concerns came after an architect's report showed that £15,000 needed to be spent on repairs within a year.

At the time, the vicar, the Rev Edward Wynne, said: "It is difficult to over-exaggerate the seriousness of the position."

The bad news was broken after the five-yearly inspection by the church's surveyors. They found that because of weakness in the building's design, water had penetrated through to the roofing timbers, seriously damaging them.

Rev Wynne added: "We are awaiting further advice before reaching a decision."