IT was a homecoming of sorts for the world leader of the Salvation Army when he returned to Enfield for a special service this morning.

General Shaw Clifton alongside wife Commissioner Helen Clifton were greeted by a host of familiar faces when they visited the Salvation Army hall in Churchbury Lane to speak to the congregation.

It had been 27 years since the pair first arrived in the borough as a young couple with two small children after completing a post in Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia.

During their time as corps officers the pair helped to organise the purchase of the Salvation Army Hall from the Church of England and setting up outreach programmes for young people and the Sunshine Club for over 60s.

Commissioner Clifton, who grew up in Edmonton, said: "We have such fond memories of Enfield.

"It was the first time in a long time that we had family close by and were able to really settle in and belong to the community.

"It is lovely to be back."

Accompanied by the Enfield Citadel Band under the careful eye of Bandmaster Jonathon Corrie, General Clifton led prayers and gave an inspirational speech to a packed house.

General Clifton also joked with the crowd about raising his children to love God and Tottenham Hotspur - and not necessarily in that order.

On a more serious note he told the crowd: "My son and I argue about religion all the time.

"And there's nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with being truly yourself."

Former Enfield resident June Parker, 75, travelled from Cambridgeshire to catch another glimpse of General Clifton.

"It's not every day you get to hear from the leader of the Salvation Army.

"I remember General Clifton and his wife Helen from all those years ago. They're both lovely people.

"He really must have the hand of God on his shoulder because he was a wonderful speaker then and he is a wonderful speaker now.

"At times he gets you listening so intently and then, all of a sudden, he makes you laugh while still getting a powerful message across."

The ethos of the Salvation Army, which boasts membership in 118 different countries, is to support those in need of help.

The general who, as one member said, is "to the Army what the Pope is to Catholics" is responsible for delivering its message across the world.

General Clifton said: "I only make around £20,000 a year. I don't have a fat cat salary. I do this job because of my Christian faith.

"The Army is old-fashioned but modern at the same time. What you see is what you get. We never say we will only help you if you share our beliefs. Even if the person has got into trouble on their own accord, and keeps getting into trouble, our door is always open."