AN HISTORIC Cradley church is set to celebrate its 149th anniversary with a special service.

High Town Ragged School Church, Mapletree Lane, will mark the milestone on Sunday May 13 at 6pm.

The service will be conducted by reverend Mick Ganner and will feature singing from the ladies choir.

Church spokeswoman Jill Guest said: “Cradley is unique in having the last two Ragged schools left in the country, both now independent churches.

“Special services and events are already being planned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of High Town Ragged School Church next year.”

Ragged Schools were charitable schools dedicated to the free education of destitute children in 19th century England. The schools were developed in working class districts of expanding industrial towns. Two Gates Ragged School is also in Cradley.