A church is to leave its home of 148 years.

Congleton United Reform Church have announced they are selling the Grade II-listed building on Antrobus Street.

The move comes amid falling congregation numbers.

A post on the church's Facebook page read: "As times have changed and the congregation has got smaller in size we find the current building no longer fits our need.

"As fewer people come in today the church needs to adapt and find smaller premises it can go out into the community from.

"On March 30, the Church made the difficult decision to sell the building and look for other premises that suit our needs better.

It continues: "In truth, this will probably involve us using different spaces throughout the town to run our mission and service events and activities.

"Therefore you could see the church pop up anywhere, watch out for us and come and join us. We do plan to continue with our weekly Sunday services and early conversations have been entered into with one local church to enable us to worship there. More on this at a later date though.

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"The main point is that although we are moving, the journey, our worship and work continues, so watch out for us, come and join us and support us as you are able."

Congleton URC, formerly the Congregational Church, has had its home in Antrobus Street since 1877.

It has provided a centre for independent Christian worship and service in the heart of Congleton.

The church's Facebook post adds: "It has touched the lives of many people and families throughout Congleton. Whether it was attending the church, Sunday school or youth club.

"Many people have celebrated life events in the church building and it has nurtured many.

"Countless thousands have been welcomed into the church community and in turn gone out to serve the community week by week for the past 148 years.

"It has served the church and town well!"