HUNDREDS of Christian Aid supporters will gather at Durham Cathedral to celebrate the international development charity's 60th anniversary.

The Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, a former Christian Aid Week fundraiser, is the main preacher at Sunday's service.

The service is the principal regional event to herald the charity's 60th year, and also marks the start of its annual fundraising week.

Christian Aid Week is said to be the oldest and most successful door-to-door collection campaign in the country, last year raising £14.7m.

This year, Christian Aid is also asking the public to consider joining its campaign for trade justice, calling on the Government to change international trade rules which it claims keep millions of people in poverty.

Christian Aid area co-ordinator Michael Faulkner said: "Each year the total raised goes up. But, however much we raise, we can't make the sort of difference that governments can make if they are determined to take action.

"We believe changing the way world trade works can lift millions of people out of poverty, and we believe that this year is the time when we can do it."

Donations can be made to Christian Aid Week on www.caweek.org or by calling (08080) 006006.

Sunday's cathedral service starts at 6pm. Everyone is welcome.