A COMMEMORATION service for a religious relic from the region's engineering heyday, that has stood in Darlington for 100 years, will take place this weekend.

The "Green Hut", now Springfield Mission on the corner of Thompson Street and Hercules Street, was built in Newcastle as a canteen for workers of Stephenson's locomotive company.

In 1901, Robert Stephenson and Company relocated its works from Newcastle to Darlington, bringing 1,000 workers to the town.

It was decided to establish a Mission Church, land was purchased in Hercules Street and the canteen hut was brought from Newcastle. It was dismantled and reassembled on its present site, and opened on January 20, 1907.

To commemorate the centenary, the mayor of Darlington, Marion Swift, will open a weekend of celebrations, beginning today, from 10am to 4pm, continuing with a service of thanksgiving tomorrow, at 9.30am.

Music will come from The Salvation Army Silver Band, with other attractions including games, quizzes and a barbecue.