A SPECIAL service of celebration and thanksgiving for the borough of Christchurch is set to take place at the Priory.

The event, which is due to start at 11.30am on Sunday, May 19, follows the end of Christchurch Borough Council and creation of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

Organised by the Reverend Canon Charles Stewart, the service will provide an opportunity to mark this transition.

Discussing the plans for the occasion, Mr Stewart said: "In this service, we shall reference the history of the borough, and what has been achieved for the welfare of its people; we shall remember also the dedicated contribution of so many public servants – mayors, leaders, councillors, council officers – over the centuries of its life.

"And as we celebrate the life of Christchurch today, so we shall also look to the future, and commit ourselves to play our part in the next chapters of the continuing story of this special place, working together for the good of all our people."

Since its dedication in 1094, the people of Christchurch have gathered in the Priory at times of celebration, commemoration, thanksgiving and remembrance.

"As I promised the Christchurch councillors at their penultimate meeting, this service will be resolutely non-political," said Mr Stewart. "Rather, it will be a celebration of the people of the town and our life together, hopefully attended by people from all walks of life in Christchurch, its many organisations and voluntary bodies, as well as former and newly-elected Councillors and other representatives of the local community."