A Salvation Army branch in a Suffolk town is celebrating its 140th anniversary with a celebration concert and march.

The first meeting of Beccles Salvation Army was held on June 16 1883 and the special concert to celebrate its work and ministry will take place exactly 140 years later to the day on Friday, June 16.

Church leader, Harry Woods, said: “The Salvation Army has been a church and a community centre for 140 years serving the community and district both practically and spiritually, fulfilling our mission to save the lost.

"We are still here and still serving 140 years on, and we are looking forward to celebrating, but are very much looking forward to using this weekend as an opportunity to witness.” 

The celebration at St Michael's Parish Church starts at 7.30pm on the Friday and features the Anglia Fellowship Band with guest soloist Juliet Parker.

Tickets are £14.25, including a buffet and drink, and are available from the Beccles Salvation branch or at Eventbrite.

On the following day, Saturday, there will be a march and open-air service in Beccles town centre with the Norwich Citadel Band starting from noon.

Then on Sunday, June 18 a Service of Celebration at Beccles Corps and Community Centre will start at 10.30am. 

Mr Woods moved to the Beccles branch nine months ago, having previously been community manager at Great Yarmouth Salvation Army.

He said: “I’m really enjoying ministry in this place.

"We have rolled out some new programmes working towards bringing people together, such as our community café, which has led to us seeing so many new people coming through the doors.

"These are amazing opportunities to get to know local people, and to be able to help and signpost to support that may be needed."

Beccles Salvation Army is based at 68-72 Blyburgate.

Services are held at the Beccles centre every Sunday at 10.30am and on the last Sunday of each month there is a Praise Service at 2pm.