Church in Abingdon aims to build a new £500,000 extension to cater for its growing numbers.

Work will start this autumn on the Peachcroft Christian Centre extension project near the Peachcroft shopping centre in north Abingdon.

More than £320,000 has been raised already, including pledges from the congregation.

Fundraiser Caroline Howell has been appointed and the campaign is now switching attention to trusts, organisations and councils in a bid to raise the rest.

Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches use the centre, as well as youth groups, parents and toddlers and an over-55s club.

Since the Christian Centre was built in 1987 the Peachcroft estate has grown to more than 2,000 houses and 6,000 residents.

The vicar, the Rev Stephen Godfrey, said: "The congregation has swollen and we have outgrown our capacity.

"Part of our main service on Sundays has to be held in the neighbouring community centre."

The extension will include a hall with up to 150 seats, a creche, kitchens and a prayer room.

Meanwhile, work is on schedule to complete the first phase of the St Helen's Church renewal project in time for Easter.

The church, in East St Helen's Street, has been closed since September, when contractors moved in to install an underfloor heating system.