Christians celebrate birthday with garden picnic.

Christians from across the region have gathered to celebrate the 125th anniversary year of the Diocese of Newcastle with a day of worship and music.

The event at Alnwick Garden on Saturday also honoured the centenary of Readers' ministry in the diocese, part of a year-long celebration of those who have trained to preach and teach in Anglican churches.

The Bishop of Newcastle the Rt Rev Martin Wharton was joined by a crowd for a picnic lunch and to enjoy dance, drama and folk music. He opened an exhibition in the garden on spirituality, including sculptures by students from Newcastle College on the theme of spiritual journeys.

The diocese, which stretches from the north bank of the Tyne to Berwick, was carved from the much larger Diocese of Durham and came into being on St James's Day, July 25, 1882.

Bishop Wharton said: "The Church of England has changed a great deal in 125 years. But it continues to be passionate about providing for the spiritual and physical needs of the people, and the wellbeing of all local communities.

"The diocese is actively involved in the education of children in a wide range of schools, we are working alongside other Christians in the care of asylum seekers in our city and we play a large part in sustaining community life in both urban and rural areas."