A service to mark the centenary of the death of the founder of the children's charity, Barnardo's, takes place in the North-East tomorrow.

Barnardo's North-East is marking the death of the charity's founder, Dr Thomas Barnardo, by holding a service of thanksgiving, in Newcastle.

Staff from the charity, with volunteers, fundraisers, and former old girls and boys, who were helped by Barnardo's when it ran orphanages, will celebrate the life of the founder.

Jonathan Ewen, director of Barnardo's North-East, who will be leading the service, said: "We will be celebrating the difference the charity continues to make to the lives of thousands of children and their families in the North-East.

"Many of the problems faced by the children who Thomas Barnardo worked with in the Victorian era continue to be faced by the children that the charity works with in the 21st Century, including sexual exploitation, poverty, crime, justice, disability, drugs, alcohol and mental health problems.

"For many people, the name Barnardo's remains closely identified with orphans, but in 2005 the charity no longer runs orphanages.

"The modern Barnardo's provides dedicated staff in over 50 specialised projects in the North-East and our aim is to ensure that the most vulnerable children and young people are given a better start in life."

The service takes place at St Thomas the Martyr's Church, in Barras Bridge, Newcastle, at 7pm.

Westfield Senior School, in Newcastle, will provide the music.

Details of the work of the charity in the region will be on display in the church.