A SERVICE marking the centenary of former Prime Minister Harold Wilson's birth will be held today at Christ Church Cathedral.

The service will start at 3pm at the cathedral off St Aldate's and members of the public are invited to attend and arrive by 2.45pm.

The service follows a centenary exhibition hosted by the Bodleian Library earlier this year.

Mr Wilson was Labour Prime Minister from 1964 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1976. He died in 1995.

His son Robin, 72, a former maths professor and Fellow of Keble College who lives in Botley, said: "My father was an undergraduate at Jesus College and a don at University College, and an Honorary Fellow of both.

"My wife Joy felt that there should be a special service in Oxford because of his Oxford connections."

The service at Christ Church follows a service at the House of Commons in May where former Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute.

Mr Wilson, who has lived in Botley since 1969, added that Oxford East MP Andrew Smith would read the tribute at the Christ Church service conducted by the Dean of Christ Church the Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy.

Mr Wilson added that members of the family would take part in the service, including his grand-daughter Evie, and his daughter Jennifer, who would read one of his mother Mary's poems.

Lady Wilson, who is now 100, was unable to attend, Mr Wilson added.