A STOURBRIDGE church is hosting a celebration of the life of Nelson Mandela today (Sunday December 22).

The Spirit of Nelson Mandela event will be held at St John's United Reform Church, St John's Road, at 4pm, as a tribute to South Africa's first black president who died on December 5, aged 95.

Organised by Stourbridge Interfaith Group and fundraising musical group Gig Caritas - the event will raise cash for relief efforts in the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

Everyone is welcome to attend.