THE prayers of a church congregation in Mereside have finally been answered with the long-awaited opening of a new, bigger and better building for worship.

A brand new Pentecostal Church on Langdale Road was officially opened at the weekend, with a special dedication ceremony and service led by the Rev John Glass, general secretary of the Pentecostal Church national leadership team.

A church spokesman said: "We decided about three years ago to look at a large, better located site, and chose the old Clifton Labour Club.

"The church will be called Clifton Christian Centre. We felt that we should identify with the area and it is our aim to forge relationships with local people and offer an open door to all who need it. We intend to break ground in the community on Mereside and develop programmes to assist where there is not only need but also spiritual emptiness. We are ordinary folk who have a heart for the people.

"The congregation faced many hurdles before they could open their new building, including structural problems, and having to find the missing deeds to the building. But they kept praying and are delighted with the outcome."

Pastor Wesley Kerr, the church's new minister, explained the significance of the transition: "It hasn't been an easy ride, there have been many planning difficulties, but we persevered and have got there in the end. The congregation are very excited and pleased about the new building.

"The transition from our old site on Fredora Road, Blackpool, was essential. We had outgrown the premises and it was very cramped. We now have seating for around 200 members, which is double the amount catered for at the old site. We are hoping to expand our facilities even further at the centre."