Emmanuel Church has served the local community for nearly 150 years Pic: Tony Worrall

A Preston church looks set to be sold off as the Bishop of Blackburn announced its closure.

Emmanuel Church in Brook Street, Plungington, has faced an uncertain future but it is likely to be sold.

The Bishop of Blackburn has written to Preston councillors to inform them the church is to be closed for public worship and the contents of the building will be sold.

The building is grade II listed and was Sir Tom Finney’s favourite church.

University ward councillor John Swindells said: “It is sad that another church is to close but it is really difficult for congregations to keep our heritage churches maintained.

“The churches are getting older and need more maintenance at a time congregations are much smaller than when they were built.

“It is to be hoped that a solution can be found to keep the church standing.”

In March it was reported the church had issues with dry rot and faced a £500,000 repair bill.

Did you attend the church? What’s your reaction to the news? Let us know in the comments below