Chester is to be the host city for a national Service of Thanksgiving, Reconciliation and Hope for all those whose lives have been touched by adoption.

The interdenominational service, at St. Mary without-the-walls in Handbridge on Saturday, 29 March 2003 starts at 2.00pm and is expected to attract hundreds of visitors from throughout the UK.

Among the congregation will be birth parents whose children were adopted decades ago, people who have become adopted parents, and others who were themselves adopted.

This will be the fifth service of its kind to be held in the UK, and the first to be hosted in Chester.

The service is being organised by Chester-based Adoption Matters and will be led by St. Mary¹s Rector, Canon Christopher Samuels, who is also Adoption Matters¹ vice-Chairman.

"It¹s a privilege for Adoption Matters, St. Mary¹s Church and Chester itself to host such an important and sensitive event," he said.

He added: "The service has become a tremendously important and valued event for people throughout the UK. It will recognise the challenges and issues surrounding adoption and provide an opportunity for all those who attend to gain strength, hope and understanding."

For further details, contact Adoption Matters: 01244 390938.