A much-loved church is being demolished as plans to build a block of "independent living" flats take a step forward.
St Columba RC Church in Ripley Street, Tonge Moor, closed in 2017 following a review into parish structures.
In its place, 24 apartments for over-55s will be built by not-for-profit housing association Mosscare St Vincent's.
The proposed three-storey building will have a mixture of one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats as well as a communal garden space.
A total of seven units will be priced at "affordable rent" rates with shared ownership options available.
There will be 17 parking spaces including a disability-friendly spot.
As demolition got underway, people took to social media to remember the church.
Gillian McGowan wrote on Facebook: "Heartbreaking. Been involved with this beautiful church all my life.
"I was the Wedding Registrar there from 1988 up to it closing."
Susan Arbon commented: "Went here every Sunday, made my first Holy Communion there, confirmed there and I had to get special permission from the bishop to go on the altar to help the May Queen down the steps as her train was so long."
Bernadette Bailey added: "Very sad. It was a lovely church. I conducted many funerals there as a funeral director."
