IT'S a family affair . . . as Sly and the Family Stone sang in the well known song. And that's just what it was when grandfather Denzil Mason and his 11 grandchildren were christened at St. Barnabas Church, Bromborough (writes Carol Brown).

Denzil's daughter Shirley sparked off a chain reaction when she revealed her intention to have her four children baptised. Fast behind her followed her sisters, Vicki and Brenda, who decided that it would be a great idea to have all the grandchildren christened together.

But grandad was not to be outdone . . . he thought it was about time he, too, was christened.

In a special service conducted by the Rev William Hogg, family and friends sang along to the guitar-playing vicar, making it a joyous occasion to remember.

Proud great-grandfather Harry Fielding, 68, said: "What a lovely day! The whole occasion was wonderful. It was a marvellous idea to have a family christening and everyone has enjoyed it so much."

Denzil and his wife Joan, who live in Muncaster Close, Bromborough, have three daughters, Shirley, Vickie and Brenda, and one son, also Denzil.

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