AMBITIOUS plans to create a £250,000 church in Radcliffe suitable for 21st century worship have been announced this week.

The move by the New Life Church on Stand Lane comes at a time when another local church, Radcliffe United Reformed Church, celebrates the completion of its £355,500 new building.

Pentecostal Pastor Stephen Walkden, who arrived at New Life Church 18 months ago, is the driving force behind the project.

"The hall we used for Sunday schools and church clubs was falling to pieces," he said. "It suffered badly from condensation and in the end the roof fell in, forcing us to rent a shop as a point of contact. I decided to take the bull by the horns," he said.

The church will submit an application to Bury's planning bosses next week. If approved it will mean a big transformation of the 70-year-old church which is a local landmark thanks to its blue neon cross.

The church wants to build a two storey extension with kitchen, restaurant and toilet facilities. The building would also house a pregnancy crisis service, bereavement counselling groups and pensioners' clubs.

The main church building will be re-modelled with a new brick exterior and inside there will be a new platformed area and lighting to enable the building g to be used for theatrical performances.

"We have not set ourselves a target date for raising the £250,000, but obviously the sooner we get there the better," said Mr Walkden.

A collection in church has already raised £6,000 and a Buy-a-Brick appeal has so far made £300.

"We will continue to stage fund-raising events and will be investigating grants. But we also believe strongly in the Christian principle that its more blessed to give than receive which is why we are giving some of the money we raise towards a church in Albania."

If you would like to make a donation to the appeal you can contact the church on 723 4767.