Quakers in Letchworth are holding an open day to celebrate the 400th birthday of the movement's founder, George Fox.

Howgills Friends Meeting House, where the Quakers meet, is opening its doors from 11am to 3.30pm on Saturday, June 15.

Refreshments and activities will be on offer for adults and children.

Born in 1624 to a weaver and his wife in a small Leicestershire village, George Fox rebelled against the religious and political authorities by proposing an unusual approach to the Christian faith.

He toured England, Wales, Barbados and North America to share his belief that God is found in everyone, found a religion centred on truth and spread the Quaker faith.

Among his supporters were Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell and Quaker convert William Penn.

Since 1907, those seeking Quaker worship in Letchworth have met at Howgills Friends Meeting House at 42 South View.

These have included the founder of the garden city Ebenezer Howard, as well as conscientious objectors who were attracted to the newly built garden city around the time of World War I.

As part of their faith, Quakers respond to the challenges facing society today by "supporting those seeking a just peace and equality for everyone around the world".