MISSION week began on Sunday when Atherton churches, schools and the Church Army combined with visitors from Africa in a week of events.

Organiser the Rev Keith Baines has thrown out an open invitation to Athertonians to join in and support the events which he feels can only strengthen community spirit.

Mission week runs to Sunday with lots of events and visitors from Atherton's link parish of St Peter and St Paul in Etale, Northern Namibia. Namibia's representatives are Father Risto Haipinge and Hilya Nashivella, an English teacher in a school in Etale.

Daily services, a barbecue, brass band music and a faith lunch are some of the events planned at St John's, St George's and St Philip's churches.

Throughout the week daily services will be held at 12.30pm at St John's.

On Wednesday there will be a community evening in the Formby Hall at 7.30pm and on Saturday, June 14, there is a social night at Hag Fold Community Centre. On June 15 normal services will be held and Skelmersdale Brass Band will feature at a songs of praise outside the parish church.