A NINETEENTH-century Methodist pioneer was being brought back to life in York today.

Modern-day Methodist minister, the Rev Stephen Hatcher, from Cheshire, is going to walk the streets of York dressed as Hugh Bourne, the founder of Primitive Methodism.

The event is to publicise the sudden move of a secondhand book sale from St Martin's Church, in Micklegate, to the Central Methodist Church, in St Saviourgate.

The sale is held in aid of educational work which brings schools and churches together.

Mr Hatcher will bring with him a walking stick that belonged to Hugh Bourne, and is planning on talking to members of the public as well as calling out information about the book sale.

"The people of the Central Church have been very helpful," Mr Hatcher said.

The church offered the sale a home at short notice when St Martin's became unavailable because of its poor electrical condition.

The secondhand book sale in the Central Methodist Church will run until Wednesday, April 23.

Updated: 09:13 Thursday, April 17, 2003