WORSHIPPERS at a Methodist chapel said their final goodbyes to the building at a packed closing service.

Around 100 people filled the pews for a final Covenant Service at Hoghton Methodist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Hoghton.

Built in 1794, it is the oldest church in the Blackburn Methodist circuit and has several historic items, including a pulpit used by John Wesley, founder of Methodism, in the 18th century.

The building itself will be looked at by English Heritage and the pulpit and other fixtures given to chapels, though their final destinations have not yet been decided.

The church has closed because of a dwindling, ageing congregation, and the lack of general amenities such as running water, which would have been too expensive to rectify.

The congregation has a choice between the church on Preston Old Road, in Blackburn, or the new Trinity Methodist Chapel, on Gregson Lane, Greater Hoghton.

The new chapel was built for the Bamber Bridge circuit at a cost of around £250,000 and has a community hall.

The service on Friday was led by the minister, the Rev Joan Verity, and attended by the Rev Stephen Poxon, Regional Director of the North Lancashire Circuit, Superintendent Minister the Rev Robert Fisher and the chapel's previous minister, the Rev Andrew Horsfall.

The Rev Verity, also minister for the Preston Old Road, Bentham Road and New Row chapels in Blackburn, said the service was particularly poignant.

"The place was packed. It was wonderful. We had visitors from as far afield as Harrogate. The chapel holds a lot of memories for people. A number of them became quite emotional. It was a sad occasion but things change and we have to look forward to the future.

"All the items in the church will be given to other chapels in preference to museums because we prefer them to be used.

"We've asked for the pulpit go to the Rev Horsfall's new chapel in Morecambe, currently being built after the original burned down a few years ago, but nothing has yet been finalised".

Alec Lord, 65, of Blanket Hall, Gibb Lane, senior steward since 1961, said the chapel held a lot of memories for him. He worshipped there for 52 years and also attended the Sunday school.

He said it was a sad time for everyone connected with the chapel and the service on Friday was their last chance to say goodbye.

"It was decided to close the building after a series of meetings in 2002. It's a great pity but events have overtaken us.

"I don't know what we are going to do. I could become a wandering worshipper. There's a new chapel on Gregson Lane. I haven't seen it but am going to have a look.

"I want to thank all the ministers and preachers who, during their time at the chapel, have each made a vital contribution to spreading the gospel."