A SPECIAL ceremony was held as a Radcliffe church marked its 150th anniversary.

Dozens of people turned out to see the town's infamous civic window dedicated at its new home at the Church of St Thomas and St John.

In a service on Sunday night, the Rev Elizabeth Binns, welcomed the Bishop of Bolton, Mark Ashcroft, to dedicate the window.

The gathering was organised by Carol Cain, Pauline Gaskell and Jean Smith.

Ms Cain, vice-chairman of the Parochial Church Council and a church member, said: "The service was well attended and Peter Sillett spoke on behalf of the people of Radcliffe. Everyone enjoyed his observations.

"Generous donations have enabled this project to go ahead.

"The glaziers, Stuart and Rick, did a splendid job and Jean, Pauline and myself saw the window come back to life at their Belmont works.

"A big thank you to all who helped see this four-year project come to fruition."

The window, which depicts the colourful coat of arms, was donated to the town in 1935 by industrialist Walker Allen.

Around four years ago, the piece was recovered from a storeroom at Bury Museum, badly damaged.

Stuart Reddy of RS Glass Designs, in Bolton, was then called in to see if it could be restored, with work to fit the window beginning on May 8 this year.

Councillor Jamie Walker said: "It has been years in the making, but the civic window is finally in and looks fantastic.

"It is amazing what can be done when Radcliffe comes together.

"Well done to everyone who has been involved in the project. It is your determination that has brought the Town Hall window back to Radcliffe."