THE Salvation Army is to close its Accrington church after 124 years because of a dwindling congregation.

Numbers attending the Sunday service at the Charter Street church have fallen to around half a dozen and the church has had no minister since September, when the existing minister moved out of the area.

The church relies on public donation for funding, with top-up funding distributed from headquarters.

"We encourage people to give a tenth of their income to the church service," said Major Ivor Telfer, divisional director for evangelism. "But the Accrington church has moved into a slight overdraft situation."

The town church opened in 1879, the 55th of more than 800 branches to open across the country following the formation of the Salvation Army in 1865. It is a part of the Central North Division, which covers much of Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Major Telfer said: "It's sad, something we don't like having to do. Lots of churches have been hit by dwindling congregations, but we're delighted there are other churches growing in Accrington.

"We have Salvation Army churches in other areas growing, but in Accrington it had reduced to such a size that it wasn't fair to the people trying to keep the ministry going. It would seem some of the congregation are going to Blackburn Salvation Army. I think others are going to local churches in Accrington."

The building, owned by the Salvation Army, will be sold.

Church treasurer Jean Humphrey, involved with the Accrington church since 1959, said the closure was no surprise.

She said: "I feel sad as my husband's family has been involved for many years. The band and singers went at the same time about three years ago and for the last 12 months it has gone down pretty rapidly. I've been expecting it."

The SA had reviewed its approach to the ministry, introducing a three-year scheme for people to get a taste of life as a minister before entering a permanent commitment, and revitalising branches that had been closed for a few years, Major Telfer said.

Major Chick Yuill, divisional commander for the region, said: "The congregation has become very small, resulting in relatively few members carrying heavy responsibilities. I want to pay tribute to the courtesy and industry of the present membership and to express thanks to the people of Accrington who have supported the Salvation Army over many years."

A last thanksgiving service will be held at the church at 6.30pm on Sunday, March 23. The Salvation Army still has branches in Blackburn, Burnley, Clitheroe and Nelson.