AN open day was held at a new church centre for worshippers and the wider community.

All Saints' Church, in Eaglescliffe, recently completed work on a £500,000 centre to replace an outdated timber-frame building.

The new single-storey brick building includes a large multi-purpose hall, meeting rooms, vestry, storage areas and modern catering facilities.

There are also facilities for disabled people.

About 250 people filed through the doors to view the centre, which was almost entirely paid for by the congregation.

Children were invited to have a go on a bouncy castle, have their face painted and enjoy a puppet show and craft workshops.

There was also a Traidcraft stall and live music to entertain visitors who enjoyed a free lunch.