A BRIDPORT church has celebrated its 190th anniversary in style by bringing a festival of colour to the parish.

This year is the 190th milestone of St Swithun's Church in Allington - with three days of celebration held to mark the occasion.

In 1827, the rapidly growing population in Bridport meant that the medieval parish church of St. Swithun’s was replaced with the much larger building which stands today, and in a new location.

The celebration of colour began with Townswomen’s Guild member Marjorie Lathey cutting the red ribbon. Flowers and vestments filled the building, illustrating vividly the ceremonial colours of the Anglican church, and a varied programme of events - ranging from a jazz session with Mood Indigo through to an overview of 19th century Allington, by historian Bruce Upton with his talk, 'A walk through Allington in the 1830s to 1840s'. The programme of events meant that the church was filled with visitors, throughout the three days of celebration.

Churchwarden at St Swithun's Church, Aileen Shackell, said: "We have really enjoyed sharing our story with local people and it has been lovely to see so many people visiting the church for the first time, curious to see more of Bridport’s Georgian gem.

"We’re looking forward now to celebrating the 200th Anniversary too.”

190 years on, St Swithun’s Church still hosts baptisms, weddings and funerals for the people of Allington and beyond, offering an Anglo-Catholic style of worship, which is unique in Bridport. Along with the other churches in the Bridport Team Ministry, St Swithun’s welcomes women clergy - with the 190th celebration culminating in a Sung Evensong presided over by the new Bishop of Sherborne, Bishop Karen Gorham, one of only a handful of women bishops in the Church of England.

An organ recital was performed by Paul Cheater, while a thanksgiving sung Eucharist and choral concert by Portland Singers was also held.

For more information, visit bridport-team-ministry.org