HUNDREDS of people have helped a Yeadon church celebrate its 175th anniversary.

St John the Evangelist Church marked the occasion by holding a community fun day on Saturday, July 13 - a few days before the actual anniversary date of July 19.

The event, which was free to attend, included a large display of local photographs and memorabilia based around the theme of 175 Years of Yeadon.

Children from primary schools in the area also contributed artwork inspired by the same subject, which was displayed too.

The day also saw local dance groups and singers perform in the church, with refreshments available in the hall throughout.

A host of family focused attractions, meanwhile, had been laid on outside.

They included a penalty shootout, tin can alley, bouncy castle and lots of games for children to enjoy - including Soak the Vicar.

The Sunday following the event saw St John’s packed for a celebratory service and afterwards a specially made cake, showing the church as it had originally looked, was presented.

The Vicar of St John’s, Reverend Richard Walker, said: “We are delighted with how the weekend went.

“Hundreds of people visited us, there was something for everyone to enjoy and many positive comments were received.

“And now we look forward to another 175 years in Yeadon!”

The people of Yeadon got their own parish church in 1844 when the Church of St John the Evangelist was built as a Chapel of Ease. Until then they had had to maake their way to St Oswald’s at Guiseley to worship.

The foundation stone for the church, which stands off Barcroft Grove, was laid in 1843 and the church was consecrated and opened for public worship on July 18, 1844.