A KENDAL church is looking forward to a capacity congregation as Home Secretary David Blunkett takes the floor to deliver his vision for a 'just, tolerant and safe society'.

The Saturday (April 20) gathering at St George's Church has been organised by the Rev Dr Alan Billings who is a close friend of the MP.

The pair met in the 1970s when St George's vicar Dr Billings was a priest in Sheffield and Mr Blunkett was his parishioner.

They later worked together for many years when Dr Billings served as deputy leader of Sheffield City Council while Mr Blunkett was council leader.

Dr Billings said he was looking forward to an "informal" style meeting where Mr Blunkett would talk for 45 minutes followed by questions from the floor and an open discussion.

"I think he is at his best when he is informal because he can think very quickly on his feet.

I believe he has something to say and doesn't just bleat the latest press release."

The Home Secretary is due to outline how he sees British society developing over the next decade and what he believes the responsibilities of government and citizens should be before answering questions and leading a discussion.

There are no places left in the upstairs hall of the church where Mr Blunkett will be speaking but people can pay £5 on the door and hear the speech via an audio link to the body of the church below.

The meeting runs from 10am to 12noon at The Centre for Practical Christianity, St George's Church, Gooseholme.