71698-14A CHURCH celebrated 100 years of history this weekend with a visit from the Bishop of Bristol.

The Right Rev Michael Hill told the packed congregation of St Philip's Church in Beechcroft Road, Stratton, that they should be proud of the church, which had grown from humble origins .

Speaking before the service yesterday he said: "St Philip's Church is at the very heart of this community. Proud dads have walked their daughters down this aisle and parents have Christened their babies here. And sadly people have said thanks for the lives of their loved ones."

Bishop Mike, as he prefers to be known, said that the Church faced many changes over the next 100 years but was certain the congregation could rise to the challenge.

The church building, which officially opened on June 24, 1905, held regular services as soon as the foundation stone was laid on August 4, 1904.

The barrel store of Arkell's Brewery was used until the building was complete.

St Philip's vicar the Reve Carol Stone said : "This is a people's church. The people of this area even bought the bricks to build it."