AT a time when dwindling attendances are forcing many churches to close, one has bucked the trend by opening a £200,000 extension to house a growing congregation.

The Christian Life Centre in Woodham has re-opened after adding a 350-seat auditorium, kitchen, function room and extended car park to the existing building.

The extra space will help to house an ever expanding number of worshippers and social groups connected to the church.

A few years ago the centre bought a disused pharmacy and the neighbouring building in Woodham Village to house a pre-school group. Elsewhere in Newton Aycliffe a popular youth group meets regularly, where people can train for youth leadership qualifications.

Several attempts have been made to relocate from the premises which worshippers have inhabited since 1987.

In October 2000 an unsuccessful bid was made to move into a former factory on the Aycliffe Industrial estate, with Sedgefield Borough Council turning down the plans on the grounds that it was a prime industrial land.

Pastor John Greenow said he thought the church's success was down to the way they appealed to all ages and sectors of society.

He said: "This is our final extension and we've just upgraded the facilities, adding extra car parking and putting on a function room.

"We're expanding all the time. We believe the church should be relevant and alive, serving the community, so we attract people of all ages from kids to old people.

"At our church there's plenty of good quality, lively music from gospel music, bands, choirs, and preaching that is relevant to today, so we are just reaching out into the community.

"We're not just building for the sake of building."

The congregation has spent the last six months meeting at Greenfield School Community and Arts College and Redworth Hall Hotel while work on the church was carried out.

Their move back into their extended premises last month was marked by a weekend of celebrations.

For information ring the Christian Life Centre on (01325) 301760.