Church hosts art show as building's future unclear

An exhibition held at a church will "give it strength" as negotiations for the building's future continue.

Billingham's parish applied to close the town's 1,000-year-old St Cuthbert's Church last year due to rising costs and falling attendance.

The show, which displays artwork from local school pupils, will open on Monday for three days.

The Friends of St Cuthbert's Church said if negotiations to save the church failed, the building would "just sit there padlocked" without offering "tremendous events" to Billingham.

The artwork displayed at the church will feature pieces from Bede Sixth Form College, Northfield School and Sports College, Billingham South and Prior's Mill C.E. primary schools and the Northern School of Art.

Negotiations about the closure of the church continue between the Friends of St Cuthbert's Church and the Church of England - the Billingham Parish, the Diocese of Durham and the Church Commissioners.

Charles Wellington, from Friends of St Cuthbert's Church, said if the church was to close, it would be "sad and damaging".

"We're going into negotiations and we're having to dealing with hard things like affordability - but the exhibition gives us strength.

"This exhibition is spot on with exactly what we're aiming to do with getting the community into church to use and enjoy in a productive way.

"We want people to come to and use the church and make it live".

The show will open from 17:00 BST to 19:00 and a donation is the suggested entry fee.

Suzy Wandless, an art teacher at Bede's Sixth Form College, said: "This beautiful and historic venue not only provides a stunning backdrop for the students' artwork, but it is also a treasure worth visiting in its own right.

"Our students have dedicated a tremendous amount of effort and passion to their work, and we are excited to share their achievements."

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