A Service of Thanksgiving has been held in Oxford to celebrate Barbados' 57th Independence Day.

Barbadians and their friends in the UK gathered on November 26 at the New Testament Church of God in Cowley for the service hosted by the National Council of Barbadian Associations UK (NCBA UK).

Senior Pastor, Bishop Wesley Sealey, welcomed the attendees to the service.

Oxford Mail: Regina St Hill leads the procession with Barbadian flag followed by the MN ensign and standard Regina St Hill leads the procession with Barbadian flag followed by the MN ensign and standard (Image: Tyrone Roach)

The national pledge of Barbados was then read out.

Bishop Sealey said: "People, possessions, positions and pleasure have replaced the worship of our God and His Son Jesus Christ, but we must return to our heritage, a goodly heritage – giving God thanks because all good gifts come from him."

During his sermon he also said that it was right to celebrate those Caribbean people, the Windrush Generation, who came to the UK and laid a foundation for many who followed.

He also said they worked hard, and that the community is still here after 75 years despite the difficult times they experienced.

He said they have survived and thrived due to the grace and goodness of God.

In his Independence message, His Excellency Milton Inniss, high commissioner of Barbados to the UK, stressed the vital role of the Barbadian overseas community in the nation's progress.

NCBA chairwoman Sherry Maxwell then had a vote of thanks and expressed her gratitude to the congregation, clergy, and the invited guests.

Attendees later enjoyed a reception with Caribbean cuisine on offer.