ALMOST 1,000 people packed Christ Church in Oxford last night for a multi-denomination service and concert to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.

Called Remembering Slavery, the free concert included singer Jacqui Dankworth - daughter of jazz musician and composer Sir John Dankworth and his wife Dame Cleo Laine - and the Blackbird Leys Singing Estate choir. Dancing company Gelede performed.

The service was conducted by the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Rev Colin Fletcher.

Pupils from the Blackbird Leys Supplementary School read a list of names of people involved in the abolition of slavery.

The Black Voices gospel choir and children chosen from various workshops held at schools in Oxfordshire sang negro spirituals.

A representative of Oxford's Jewish community, university lecturer Jeremy Montagu gave readings from the prophet Micah who was a critic of injustice.

Imam Monawar Hussain from the Oxford Muslim community read from the Koran and there were readings from the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Hugo Brunner. Richard Huzzey spoke of the legacy of William Wilberforce, the 18th-century social reformer and driving force behind the abolition movement.

One of the organisers of the service and precentor at Christ Church, Mary Bide, said afterwards: "It was a remarkable and joyous celebration enjoyed by so many people.

"Slavery was a terrible blot on the history of the world and should not be forgotten. The trouble is the fight is not yet over because there is still people trafficking going on in the world today causing such misery."