Thanks was given for the new-found peace in Sierra Leone at a church service.

The republic concluded presidential and parliamentary elections this summer that were hailed as among the most peaceful held in Africa for decades.

Yesterday's service celebrated that - along with the close historic links between Bermuda and Sierra Leone.

In 2000, more than 10,000 Bermuda residents signed a petition urging the diamond industry to keep conflict diamonds off the international markets.

Such gems - also known as blood diamonds - were linked to the financing of rebel warfare in Sierra Leone.

The campaign was a major factor in the establishment of tougher policing of the international diamond trade.

Ayo Johnson, a Sierra Leonean and Bermudian who helped organise the service at St. Mary's Church in Warwick, gave thanks to those involved in supporting Sierra Leone.

"Most people, I know, don't believe this but I think Bermuda played probably the most significant role in engaging ordinary citizens to get involved," he said, pointing out that the Island gathered the most signatures of any country during the diamond campaign.

It was not the first time Bermuda residents pulled together in support of Sierra Leone during its time of darkness.

In 1999, the efforts of a local delegation made the country's crisis a top-priority agenda item for Amnesty International, the world's largest human rights organisation, at a Biennial Conference.

Around 100 people attended the multi-faith ecumenical service, which was hosted by Reverend Andrew Doughty and featured African drumming and Sierra Leonean refreshments afterwards.

Among the speakers was Puisne Judge Ian Kawaley, whose father is from Sierra Leone.

The family is descended from George Wilson, who came to Bermuda through military service in 1899 and is believed to be one of the first people from Sierra Leone to come to the Island voluntarily.

Mr. Justice Kawaley informed the congregation about numerous examples of Sierra Leoneans who have contributed to society here, and vice versa.