A BASINGSTOKE church opened a new addition to their church building on February 3.

Buckskin Evangelical Church, in Chiltern Road, Basingstoke, celebrated the occasion with Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller and Basingstoke and Deane’s mayor Councillor Jane Frankum officially opening the new annexe.

More than 60 guests came to the event on Friday February 3 to see the opening of the £450,000 annexe, which took eight months to build. The project was supported by a Local Infrastructure Fund (LIF) grant from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. The building has a crèche and four large classrooms for church and community activities.

Pastor Will Ross said: “We are thrilled with the building and it is wonderful to see our plans come to fruition. Throughout the process, we have appreciated the support of so many, in particular the members of the church, local councillors and those in the LIF department.

We thank God for the gift of our new building and it is our task now to ensure that it is used to fully to bless both the church and the local community.”

Maria Miller MP said: “I was honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon to officially open the new church annexe. It is a wonderful addition to the church, which will help them to continue to grow both in terms of membership and the excellent work they do with the local community.”