CHURCHES across Redcar joined forces in an event yesterday to celebrate the Christian millennium.

It was held yesterday afternoon, which was Pentecost Sunday, at Redcar Racecourse and was the climax to the Jesus Festival Redcar 2000, which has been running all week.

Churches of all denominations in Redcar closed their own doors as more than 2,000 people headed for the racecourse.

Church leaders from across the region were also present, along with representatives from churches in east Cleveland.

The celebration began with Songs of Praise followed by a service of celebration.

Following the services, people got into the party spirit with a carnival with bands.

There was an opportunity for people from the different churches to meet and eat. There were also displays by local and national church groups, organisations and charities.

The Reverend Philip Dixon, chairman of the festival, said: "It went really well, it brought everyone together and all the churches in Redcar were well represented."