A SPECIAL service is being held at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday to mark the centenary of the death of Dr Thomas Barnardo.

It will celebrate and raise awareness of his charity whose work supports 360 projects for disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the UK, four of which are in Kent.

Dr Barnardo began his mission to help children in the 1860s after being deeply affected by the poverty and squalor in east London where he worked as a teacher.

He was unusual in his time for not distinguishing between the 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor and encouraged the integration of disabled children, where possible.

But a report by the charity published earlier this year highlights the continuing plight of children today, from sex exploitation, crime, poverty, abuse and drug problems.

The Cathedral service will feature performances by internationally-renowned soprano Emma Kirby, who will sing three pieces from Bach, Mozart and Mendelssohn.

It will be led by the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Rev Robert Willis, and the lesson read by Dr David Barnardo, who is the great-nephew of the founder and now the charity’s chairman.

The two speakers will be a past chairman of Barnardo’s and the principal of Meadows School in Tunbridge Wells.

Young people who use the charity’s services will also give readings.

Admission to the service is open to the public and free. The doors open at 5.15pm and the congregation should be seated by 5.50pm.

Among the guests will be the High Sheriff of Kent, Andrew Wells, the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Lewis Norris, and Barnardo’s trustees, directors and supporters.

There will be a collection for the charity during the service.