A Goodmayes congregation gave ex-east London gangster John Pridmore an “excellent” reaction last week, according to one of his mission team.

Crowds totalling 2,500 people, across the five nights, flocked to St Cedd’s Church in Blythswood Road, to see the reformed man and his team give a talk before hearing confessions afterwards.

Catherine Leigh, 32, has been apart of Mr Pridmore’s St Patrick’s mission team for nearly eight years and said the event “is an amazing healing process”.

Speaking midway through the week, she said: “We have had people giving confessions - in total it lasts for two-and-a-half hours. It is obvious that people have great burdens.

“If people can forgive, then God can forgive anyone – no matter who you are. It is an amazing healing process.”

It is testament to the work of Mr Pridmore’s team they remain such a big draw for Redbridge’s Christian population.

The mission leader will sometimes be forced to leave the team midweek to promote his book: From Gangland to Promised Land. However, the public remain undeterred in their support.

“People come back most of the nights,” added Ms Leigh. “It does not matter who speaks, the crowd gave us a very positive reaction.”