ST DUNSTAN'S Catholic Church was in party mode recently as their annual Festival Mass served up a mouthwatering menu of delights.
The celebration was graced by Rev Richard Moth, the Bishop of Arundel & Brighton, whose duties extend this far north.
More than 70 nations were represented at the yearly festival, with prayers and readings delivered in a multitude of languages by parishioners young and old.
John Sexton, who is Chairman St Dunstan’s Parish Team, explained: “Many of the community dressed in national costume. The African community brought gifts with their traditional singing and dancing as they came forward to meet the bishop.
“Meanwhile, a group of girls whose families originate from India performed a spiritual dance, and members of the Polish community sang a traditional song from their homeland.”
After Mass, which is attended by nearly 2,000 people each weekend, most moved to St Dunstan’s School for a barbecue and shared lunch.
John added: “It was an amazingly joyful and exuberant day from this large and diverse community united in faith.”