A SERVICE of thanksgiving marking the 175th anniversary of Darlington’s oldest charity will be held this week.

Among the dignitaries at the event marking Darlington Town Mission’s milestone will be Darlington mayor Paul Baldwin, Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon and Bishop of Jarrow Mark Bryant.

The service, at St Cuthbert’s Church, on Tuesday (April 30), will be led by the Town Mission’s chairman, Reverend Brian Holmes.

Also taking part will be the Reverend Robert Williamson, vicar of St Cuthbert’s, and Reverend Ruth Gee, chairwoman of the Darlington Methodist District.

The organist for the special service will be Andrew Christer and Darlington Choral Society will be singing.

Members of other charities and organisations who support Darlington Town Mission in its work of relieving isolation in the elderly will also be attending.

The mission was founded after Quakers John Backhouse and John Pease, together with Anglican vicar John Hopkins met with the objective of setting up a society to serve those in need within Darlington.

The society which emerged was named Darlington Christian Visiting Society and recruiting of other like minded people began.

Many influential people were attracted to the society and a committee was formed. The name of the society was later changed to Darlington Town Mission.

Darlington Town Mission now concentrates its efforts on preventing and providing relief from isolation in the elderly by visiting, providing social contact and Christian fellowship. All are welcome to attend Tuesday’s service, which starts at 7pm.