THE church in Thetford is reaching out to the town's growing population - with the arrival of top evangelists and a crowded weekend of nine different activities.

THE church in Thetford is reaching out to the town's growing population - with the arrival of top evangelists and a crowded weekend of nine different activities.

From Thetford to Eternity is a mission which aims to show how relevant the Christian is message today and aims to reach people with who, for whatever reason, the church has no regular contact.

The nine events cater for every age and both sexes over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.They range from children's events to a men's breakfast, women's lunch, tea dance, dinner, and open air hog roast.

They will be led by two top names. World famous evangelist, the Rev Rico Tice is an associate minister at All Souls Church in London's Langham Place. He was born in Chile, grew up in Uganda and Zaire and studied history at Bristol University, where he was rugby captain. He trained for the ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, regularly playing rugby alongside former England skipper Will Carling.

In huge demand as a speaker, he will be joined during the mission by Fiona Castle, former singer and dancer and widow of the popular entertainer Roy Castle. She writes features on Premier Christian Radio, supports charities and travels the country speaking about her faith.

The Team Ministry, which has strengthened its role in Thetford in recent years under the leadership of its Rector (Canon Bob Baker), supports the Bishop's Primary School, is linked to the efforts of a youth worker and is currently looking to add another vicar to its team, working principally in the Abbey area and the north of Thetford.

But it is the whole of Thetford to which this mission is aimed and church members have been tasked with inviting to the events in June local people who might normally have no connection with the church but would enjoy the kind of fun and friendship on offer over a summer weekend.

The From Thetford to Eternity programme includes:

Friday - Youth Music Event with Rico Tice as speaker and the Ashill Youth Band, Cloverfield Community Church 7-9pm.

Saturday - Men's breakfast, with speaker Rico Tice, Carnegie Room, 8.30-10.30am, tickets �4; Kid's Club, Thetford Baptist Church, King Street, 10am to noon; Ladies' Lunch with Fiona Castle the speaker, Carnegie Room, noon to 2pm, tickets �5; Tea Dance with speaker Rico Tice and live music from the Jerry Sheppard Quartet, Guildhall, 3 to 5pm, �3 on the door; Summer dinner with, Rico Tice the speaker, Carnegie Room, 7 to 11pm, tickets �19.50.

Sunday - Morning service at St Cuthbert's, with speaker Rico Tice, 10.30am; hog roast picnic at Kilverstone Park, noon-4pm tickets �4; Celebration at Cloverfield Community church, with speaker Rico Tice, 7 to 8.30pm.