A church is set to expand its community work following the official opening of a �350,000 improvements project.

FELIXSTOWE: A church is set to expand its community work following the official opening of a �350,000 improvements project.

Felixstowe Salvation Army began the scheme as a challenge to upgrade its kitchen at its headquarters in Cobbold Road to professional catering facilities, but the venture soon became a major investment in church and community facilities, creating a modern suite of new rooms.

The Army is to use the extra space for the benefit of the community throughout the week - not just on Sundays - by using the rooms as a community resource and information point.

To support the project, it is employing a community manager to work with the existing community care ministry team of volunteers linked to the church.

Felixstowe officers Captains Allister and Kathleen Versfeld have asked all church members to contribute ideas for how the suite of buildings should be used to meet the needs of the community.

“In addition to this, contact has been made with other local churches and service providers within the town to ensure the developing community strategy for the Salvation Army complements and supports the work other organisations offer in Felixstowe,” said Mr Versfeld.

Funding for the refurbishment came via church member donations, legacies, and money set aside for building repairs and maintenance.

Divisional commander of the Salvation Army in East Anglia Major David Jackson led the service of dedication and opening of the new rooms. Guests included mayor Angel Goodwin and her husband John.