Why church's listed status upgraded after 96 years

A church with an "unrivalled" collection of stained glass windows has had its listed status upgraded.

Historic England said St Oswald and St Edmund, in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, deserved recognition for its "remarkable architectural and historic significance".

The Roman Catholic church was opened in 1930, and was designed by architect J. Sydney Brocklesby. The 19 glass windows are the work of Dublin-born artist Harry Clarke.

The Parish Priest of St Oswald and St Edmund said its task was now to "care for and enhance" the church so it could be handed down to future generations.

The building was already Grade II-listed, but the new rating, by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, raises the ranking to Grade II*.

"Grade II* listed status is awarded to fewer than 6% of listed buildings in England," said Historic England.

"This upgrade ensures the church receives the highest level of consideration in any future planning or development decisions."

Parish Priest Canon John Gorman said he was "delighted" by the news.

"We are only custodians of what has been handed down to us, and this church is a testament to the faith of those who have gone before us.

"To both those who held on to the faith during penal times and those whose faith led them to build such a magnificent building to the glory of God in the midst of the 1920s depression."

He added: "Our task now is to care for and enhance what we have been given in order to hand on to future generations."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.