ST John the Evangelist Church at Ingrow is celebrating its 180th anniversary.

And the latest event to mark the milestone takes place at the church next Sunday (May 21).

The Rev Tracey Raistrick and members of the church’s history and heritage group are inviting people to go along, anytime between 12.30pm and 3pm, to learn more about the stories charting the life of St John's.

Features will include the 16 vicars who have been in charge. The first was William Gibson Mayne, who took on the role in 1846 – three years after the church was consecrated. Initially he had to lodge with a nearby family because the vicarage wasn’t built at the time.

The first Ingrow St John’s cricket team was formed in 1879.

Visitors will be able to learn about how the church building has changed over the years, and some of the hundreds of weddings that have taken place. The very first marriage conducted there was between Robert Clough, of Grove Mill, and Mary Lund, of Hermit Hole, in 1845.

There will also be information about May Queen celebrations, and productions performed by the St John Players from the 1930s to the 1950s, plus details of some of the people buried in the churchyard. One of the graves belongs to a Dr Francis Villy, who was a GP in the town and worked at the old Victoria Hospital. He was also a keen archaeologist and an authority on Roman roads.

Organisers of the event also welcome contributions from the public.

A spokesperson said: "People are invited to come along and share their own stories in connection with the church.

"Members of the history group will be on hand to capture those stories, and if people have any photographs of events or people connected with the church that they are willing to share there will be a scanner so that we can take a copy."

Further events are planned during the year to mark the anniversary.

On the evening of July 19, Keighley & District Local History Society member Tim Neal will give an illustrated talk on the history of St John's, at the church.

A short guided tour of the churchyard and key items within the church will take place on September 7.

An organ recital will be held on October 14, at 7pm.

And the church is making plans for a Remembrance Day event in November.