WOULD you like to own a unique piece of Lancashire’s history complete with gargoyles?

A lucky buyer with ‘Grand Designs’ could soon be the proud owner of Grade II listed St James’ Church Kirk in Church which has just been put up for sale.

The church, which until last year was an active part of the Diocese of Blackburn, has been out of use since November when it was placed into the care of Hyndburn Council.

Church commissioners will allow the sale but have stipulated that ‘any alterations to the exterior of the church should be limited and sympathetic to its historic interest and architectural qualities’.

The building was fully completed in 1896, and according to Blackburn-based agents Lea, Hough and Co it is an attractive and historic church with a medieval tower, Victorian nave and Georgian Chapel.

The Victorian nave was built as far back as 1804 and the parapet was added to the medieval tower in 1844.

It has a 1.55 acre site on offer, and inside the building there are ‘illustrious galleries’ on three sides, carried on octagonal cast iron columns with fluting and roundels in the capitals.

It is unfortunately missing one of the original stain glass windows after it was damaged following an explosion in a nearby ammunition factory during the First World War.

But its beautifully sculpted gargoyles remained untouched and the church is incredibly easy to get to, being located half a mile from Church and Oswaldtwistle train station.

In addition to this there is also a first floor horseshoe shaped balcony area leading down to the open plan area on the ground floor.

But news of the sale has not pleased everyone, with Hyndburn MP Graham Jones tweeting: “Disappointed that the church commissioners have put St James church up for sale. I’m meeting them next Friday.”

To book a viewing of the church call Lea, Hough & Co on 01254 494045.