TROWBRIDGE Salvation Army will be holding a Big Birthday Tea in September to celebrate the Salvation Army reaching 150 years of Christian service in the community.

The event, which will take place on September 12 from 10am-4pm, will mark the significant milestone by inviting all members of the community to come along for refreshments and music from the Trowbridge Salvation Army Band.

In addition to church services every Sunday, The Salvation Army in Trowbridge runs a Luncheon and Over-60s Club, a parent and toddler group Sally-Anne Tots, a weekly coffee morning and a monthly bargain sale.

At Christmas, the Salvation Army runs a campaign, sponsored by the Wiltshire Times, to ensure every child in Trowbridge receives a present and provides food parcels for those in need.

Church leader Major Kelvin Lang said: “The event will be a wonderful opportunity for our church to thank God for the last 150 years, but also gives us a chance to say thank you to the local community who continue to be so supportive of our work.

“The Salvation Army is dedicated to caring for the local community, but without the generosity of our supporters we wouldn’t be here today. Our Big Birthday Tea is a chance to say thank you.”

The Salvation Army was founded in the East End of London in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth, with the Christian church and registered charity now active in 126 countries worldwide.

Since its early days, social action has been central to The Salvation Army’s Christian message and in the UK and Republic of Ireland, the charity’s work includes more than 800 community churches and social centres offering support, a listening ear and practical help.

2015 is also marks the 135th year of the Salvation Army’s presence in Trowbridge itself, which held its first meeting in the town on October 27, 1880.