A weekend of celebrations will mark the 125th anniversary of Deal Salvation Army.

The forthcoming milestone has provided a chance for members to look back at its history which includes feeding the poor and lonely and collecting cash via street performances across the decades.

The charity started out in Deal in July 1891 under the command of Colonel Edwin.

The first record in the history book of Christmas carolling was in 1908 where the sum of five pounds and five shillings was collected.

The general and founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, visited Deal on July 23, 1908 and also in 1912.

In 1911, the current hall in West Street opened, which replaced a cottage that had previously occupied the site.

The cost of the hall was supported by a £10 per year donation by Mrs Marke Wood.

In 1914 Mr Pittock, the draper and outfitter, requested that the band refrain from holding open-air meetings in Park Street as he had a poorly child and the band woke her up.

Every year at Christmas the present band members perform in the High Street as part of its festive collections.

Steve Parks, member of Deal Salvation Army, said: “The work of the Salvation Army continues in Deal 125 years later.”

The anniversary weekend includes a celebration festival at 5.30pm on Saturday featuring the worship band.

On Sunday activities include a meeting at 10.30am, open-air meeting at Deal pier at 12.30pm and a praise meeting at 3pm.

The Salvation Army is the largest provider of social care in the UK today, after the government.

Nationally the work started in the 1880s and continues to grow and develop in a range of areas including homelessness, addiction services and anti human trafficking.

For more information on the Deal branch, visit: dealsalvationarmy.org