Archbishop Desmond Tutu's visit was outstanding for city

HISTORICAL MOMENT FOR THE CITY: Congratulations to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for hosting Friday evening's outstanding civic celebration in honour of the iconic Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

It was thrilling to have such a world statesman as the Archbishop welcomed to our city at such a wonderful event.

I'm sure the sense of gravitas and occasion made the evening a truly memorable one for the 500 guests. BBC Radio Stoke's Lamont Howie was an excellent master of ceremonies and the musical contributions from the City Music School's Songbirds, St Peter's High School, soloist Lizzie Wofford and the Choir Invisible were all tremendous.

The Sentinel-produced souvenir programme was a quality product totally in keeping with the whole event.

Together with Saturday's special celebration at the Britannia Stadium in honour of Gordon Banks, both events provided a weekend that will live long in the memory.

They should be a tremendous morale booster for our city as we continue to make progress in seeing further signs of renewal and regeneration.

LLOYD COOKE

Director, Saltbox Christian Centre