DOZENS of people helped to celebrate a Kates Hill church's 178th birthday by attending the first service there in 15 years.

It was a dream come true for members of St John's Church Preservation Group, who ran a successful campaign to reopen the church after it closed due to safety concerns in November 2002.

The keys were handed over to the group in July 2016 and two months later - after emergency waterproofing and windproofing works were carried out, it reopened to the public.

Deb Brownlee, group chairman, said: "Having a service back in St John's was one of the most moving experiences of our lives.

"Everyone there was in a state of virtual wonder, that it was really happening, all our dreams and hopes coming true at last."

Friday's service was led by the Rector of Dudley, Rev Robert Barlow and music was provided by The Messengers, a Black Country ukulele group.

Rev Barlow also played guitar during How Great Thou Art and Black Country Gaz played the accompaniment for Amazing Grace.

The next service in St John's will celebrate World Peace Day on September 21.

Anyone interested in attending or would like to be updated about future services should email savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk to subscribe to bulletins.

The group is also in need of urgent financial donations to assist with the church insurance cost of £9,167.

Donations can be sent to St John's Church Preservation Group at The Old School House, St John's Road, Kates Hill, Dudley, DY2 7JT.