One hundred years of serving the community is being celebrated at St John’s church in Preston, on the corner of Knoyle Road and Preston Road near Preston Park, on Sunday October 26.

In 1908, the church became the parish church for Preston. This village was then on the northern outskirts of Brighton. At this time, however, north Brighton was the focus of much development as the town grew. With the new housing in the area, St John's church became central to a large parish.

To mark the centenary there will be a special Celebration Communion at 9.45 on October 26 followed by cake and champagne. The church will also be displaying their centenary exhibition which will be open until 1.30 on the day.

Alison Bowman, priest-in-charge at St John’s, said: “Part of our celebrations will involve giving thanks for the past hundred years, part will involve celebrating the current life of St John’s as a community and part will look to the future.

“We’d love anyone for whom St John’s has played a part in their life to join us on this special occasion,” she added.

The church and parish has recently taken on the mission of co-ordinating pastoral work in the area.