A RETIRED Bishop of Durham has opened a church centre built with parishioners' money.

The parishioners of All Saints' Parish Church in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, raised nearly £500,000 in 14 months.

Michael Turnbull, former bishop, and his wife, Brenda, attended a faith supper on Tuesday at the complex.

The Yarm Road centre replaces the 1968-built hall, which contained asbestos.

Contractors Thomas Armstrong have built an extension to the church which includes a hall, meeting rooms, kitchen and has disabled access and toilets.

Alan Farish, vicar at the parish for the past six years, said: "We are sure that those who use the centre, our parents and toddlers' group Big Ted, uniformed organisations, pensioners and children's and youth groups will love the facility."

Bishop Turnbull said: "It is quite breathtaking that the people of the parish have raised nearly £500,000 in so short a time."

More than 200 people attended the opening ceremony at which younger members of the parish provided the entertainment with music and drama.

All Saints began in 1903 as a small mission church.

In 1959, a chancel and tower were added followed by the timber-constructed youth centre.