the new £275,000 hall at Upton Baptist Church was officially opened by the longest serving member of the congregation.

Jessie Roebury, who has been a member since 1956, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony and dedication on Saturday (July 5), in front of almost 100 people.

The hall was put into immediate use as the Cambrensis Choir, from Cardiff, gave a concert the same evening to mark the church's 350th anniversary. The audience also had a chance to admire the new facilities, including a refitted kitchen and toilets.

The pastor, Rev Ian Sim, said the service had gone very well.

"It was brilliant," he said. "It was nice to see so many people and it's very nice to have everything back in use. "Generally, the response we have had from people has been a 'wow factor'. It's so much better than we were expecting. We're very pleased."

The 50 members of the church have managed to raise £115,000 of the £275,000 needed to complete the work. The church has borrowed the remainder, which will be paid back over the next ten years.

The Baptist Church at Upton is one of the oldest non-conformist fellowships in the country.