A CHURCH is celebrating its golden jubilee with the help of the community.

St Thomas' Church is in the heart of the Pennywell area of Sunderland, and was built in 1951, at the same time as the estate.

Father Paul Baker said: "The church is set in the heart of the community and has always played an important role in it.

"These celebrations are a real high point for us.

"Not only do they mark a milestone in the history of St Thomas', but in many ways they also symbolise the renewed community spirit on the estate."

The church is organising a series of events.

The highlight will be a sung mass on July 3, with children from Broadway Junior School.

Margarita Acklam, headteacher, said: "St Thomas' has always been there through the hard times and now through the estate's good times."

The Bishop of Jarrow will attend the mass, which will be followed by a party in the church hall.

Other events will include a dance at Pennywell Comrades Club on June 27, at 7.30pm.