A RELIGION that started in Middlesbrough more than 150 years ago is being revived with the help of a distinguished visitor.

John Hendley, a minister from the International Bible College of Florence, in Alabama, arrived on Teesside to help re-start the Church of Christ, in Middlesbrough.

The church was founded in the town in 1841, and grew steadily to attract a congregation of 75.

An entry in the Middlesbrough Year Book for 1900 alludes to its mission work, stating: "The work of the mission in Yeh, Lower Burmah, in connection with our churches is showing steady progress.

"Two of the missionaries have been sent to Ban-Peng, Siam, to establish a mission, and two have been sent to South Africa."

Paul Law, a leader of the newly re-established church, said Mr Hendley's visit marks its journey full-circle.

"It is gratifying to note that the original Church of Christ in Middlesbrough sent missions to the United States of America and they, in return, have sent their mission to support the re-establishment of the Church here," he said.

In recognition of Mr Hendley's visit, the Church is holding a traditional American Thanksgiving meal at Stokesley Town Hall, on November 26, at 6pm.

For more details, contact John or Valerie on (01642) 714165