A HISTORIC Cradley church is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a flower festival and display of memorabilia from bygone times.

High Town Ragged School Church, Mapletree Lane, is one of two ragged schools in the town.

It opened in 1863 and together with Two Gates, which dates from 1867, they are the only ones left in the country still in use as independent churches.

The celebrations are being organised by the church and the Cradley Then and Now Historical Group.

The flower festival and display of memorabilia can be viewed on Saturday May 11 from 11am until 3pm and there will be an anniversary service, with speaker Rev Mike Ganner, the next day at 6pm.

The service will also feature items by the ladies choir conducted by Jackie Grace, with David Dunn on the organ.

The historical society is meeting at the High Town church on Monday May 13 at 7.30pm. Admission is £1 and refreshments will be available.