CHURCH parishioners are enjoying looking at a new stained-glass window commissioned by a churchgoer who never saw the completed work.

Joseph Pereira died suddenly on his 77th birthday at the end of March, 10 days after the window was installed but before he could see it in St John Vianney RC Church, Heathfield Road, Bexleyheath.

Mr Pereira, of Robina Close, was a regular member at the church and told parish priest Father Michael Jones he would like to donate a window in honour of his family.

They settled on the theme of the Holy Family and commissioned stained-glass specialist Delia Whitbread to create the windows.

The window depicts Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus leaving Egypt to return to Palestine.

There are pyramids and camels in the background and side panels of stars and lilies.

Former car salesman Mr Pereira was born in Goa in India and moved to Kenya to work in Mombassa before coming to England.

Many friends and relatives from Goa and Kenya attended his funeral at St John Vianney.

The window can be viewed by arrangement with the church.