THE MOTHERS’ UNION marked 125 years of continuous service in the Durham Diocese with a service at Durham Cathedral.

Around 1,000 people attended the commemoration with over 78 banners paraded in the cathedral.

Bishop of Durham the Right Reverend Paul Butler presided over the Eucharist with the Bishop of Jarrow Mark Bryant leading Intercession.

An address was given by the worldwide president of the Mothers’ Union Lynne Tembey, who flew in from New Zealand for the occasion.

Mrs Tembey spoke of her journeys around the world and the values of the Mothers’ Union and the care and support it provides to families and those in need.

Durham Diocesan president Jean Carleton said: “The Mothers’ Union has been in existence for 139 years and has had a presence in the Durham Diocese for the last 125 years.

“It has 1,800 members who belong to 81 branches offer a range of services in the community.”

Members reaffirmed their oath to the Christian-based movement.

Mrs Carleton said: “When I looked around at all the people at the service and thought of all of the work they have done over the years, giving and serving and going to help other people ... there was an incredible feeling of oneness.”

Among the services offered by the union are the Away From It All scheme, to help people who are experiencing stress in their family life go for a holiday.

The union has also developed the concept at schools to outward bound trips and weeks away.

It also operates emergency hospital banks with basic needs, for people who have taken ill suddenly or been involved in an accident.