THE Salvation Army is celebrating its 120th anniversary in the town with open days at its church and community centre in Newtown Road.

Among the highlights of the event will be an exhibition showing the history of the organisation in Malvern through a selection of fascinating old pictures.

The 440th Corps of the Salvation Army was formed in 1883 and had to meet outdoors until a suitable meeting place was found.

The organisation attracted the attention of hooligans in its early days, who used to disrupt services and pelt Salvationists with missiles.

Interestingly, some of these roughs later converted, becoming the Army's most ardent supporters and took an active part in building up the Malvern Corps.

Its first indoor meeting place was a now-vanished coffee shop at Link Top. Later it moved to Hornyold Road and, in 1926, to the hall it currently occupies.

The corp's present, along with its past, will be on show. In Malvern it currently operates clubs for parents and toddlers, children and the over-60s, and a successful day centre for adults with disabilities.

"We're a worldwide evangelical church with a presence in 109 countries," said the current commander, Steve Smith.

The hall is open today (Friday) from 2pm to 8pm and tomorrow from 10am until 4pm.