A METHODIST minister is to speak to a history group about his research into another minister who bears his surname.

The Reverend Gilbert Braithwaite, from Newton, in Powys, Wales, will speak to the Wesley Historical Society North-East branch about his research into the life of the Reverend John Braithwaite.

Mr Braithwaite became a minister in 1790 and served in the Newcastle and Sunderland areas between 1820 and 1825.

Gilbert Braithwaite also served for five years in the North-East and began his career in the Middleton-In-Teesdale circuit, in 1978.

The lecture will take place at Middle Herrington Methodist Church, in Sunderland, on Saturday, April 9, from 2.30pm.

The Reverend Kenneth Mankin, chairman of the North-East branch of the Wesley Historical Society, said: "The lecture is open to all and should appeal to all with an interest in the North-East in the 19th Century as well as those with a more specific interest in church history."