500- year wait for mass

St Andrew's Church is the remains of a larger church

A church - believed to be the smallest in England - is to hold its first Catholic mass since the Reformation almost 500 years ago.

A Benedictine monk will reopen the tiny St Andrew's Church in Upleatham, East Cleveland, for the first act of public worship in 166 years.

Up to 30 worshippers are expected to pack into the 18-foot by 15-foot place of worship on Saturday.

The mass has been organised by Father Philip-James French, from the nearby monastery of Our Lady and St Cuthbert.

Monthly service

Father French told BBC News Online he had always wished to re-introduce services at the church.

"It will be an historic event - literally like going back in time," he said.

"Whether we get four people or two dozen turning up on Saturday, the most important thing is that the mass is taking place.

"Eventually we'd like to hold a monthly mass and get the church back to its intended use."

Vandal attacks

The Norman church was established in the 11th Century but Catholic masses there ceased when Henry VIII issued the Act of Supremacy in 1534, making him Supreme Head of the church.

The last known record of public worship - not a mass - is 166 years ago.

Since then the building has lain dormant and was transferred into the hands of the local council 15 years ago.

In recent years vandals have attacked the inside of the building, which houses two tombs.

The mass will be held at 1100 BST on Saturday.