A NEW church extension in Droitwich Spa has been given an official blessing.

The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Peter Selby, has dedicated the new building at St Augustine's Church, in Crutch Lane, Dodderhill.

The extension provides a new kitchen, toilets, a meeting room, a lobby and better access for the disabled.

The bishop attended a dedication service along with town Tory MP Peter Luff, Spa mayor Terry Spencer (Con - Central) and deputy mayor Jan Bolton (Con - Central).

During his address, the bishop reminded the congregation of the work of St Augustine, who is celebrated in the church calendar on May 26, the day the ceremony was held.

He pointed out that if it had not been for St Augustine's mission to England, worshippers may never have known about the Christian gospel.

The Rt Rev Selby said the church building, with its remodelled interior, new area for baptisms and the new extension, was a tool to help people pass on the story of Jesus to those around them and the next generation.

Rev Doug Chaplin, who is the vicar at St Augustine's, said: "Our extension is meant to help us look outwards to those who are not members.

"I hope, in the spirit of St Augustine, the first archbishop of Canterbury, our redeveloped church will help us do just that."