MISSIONARY churchmen have left the North-East for Africa over the generations, but in one parish the roles have now been reversed.
South African minister Father William Fobosi is visiting a church in Teesside where he will spend time among the local community.
Father Fobosi plans to spend a year at the St John the Evangelist Church, at South Bank, near Middlesbrough.
Chris Burke, from the church, said: "I think the weather is very different over here, but one of the big differences is church attendances.
"In South Africa they are much greater. His parish covers 24 churches and 11,500 to 12,000 people regularly go to church, which is about 500 people per church."
Mr Burke hopes that Fr Fobosi will take back some good memories with him when he returns to South Africa later this year.
He added: "I also hope his experiences here will be very useful and rewarding."
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