Author and TV presenter Pam Rhodes hosted the annual Churches event Together in Marshalswick on Sunday as part of the Sandridge900+ celebrations.

More than 150 members of the congregation filled St Leonard’s churchyard for a Songs of Praise Service, which opened with “Thy hand, O God, has guided Thy church from age to age”.

Hymns accompanied by nine brass players drawn from three local orchestras and bands, used arrangements by David Rudd.

Ms Rhodes interviewed Christians of all ages about their faith and church life, as well as sharing some of her own amusing and thought-provoking experiences. She is also helping to organise ‘Celebrate 100 – the Diocese of St Albans’ 100th birthday’, which will take place on August Bank holiday Monday.

Sandridge 900+ is a community initiative, which aims to celebrate 900 years of the Sandridge Parish.

Vivian Nutton, Sandridge 900+ chairman said: “Hymns had been sung on this same spot probably for even more than the 900 years we are celebrating in 2014.

“People come before buildings, and this service has told us much about the ways local churches continue to serve individuals and the whole of our growing community today. “ Sandridge900+ will continue with a lecture on July 19 at 7.30pm in St Leonard’s on its late Victorian restoration and its architect, William White, organised by St Albans Arc & Arc.

On Sunday, August 3 there will be an opportunity to explore Sandridge’s history at the church with demonstrations of straw plaiting from 2pm to 4pm and an exhibition featuring the boards from Discover Sandridge at MOSTA and the ever-growing Knitted Village.

For further details of Sandridge900+, which lasts until November, visit: www.sandridge900.com.