A church building which has been planned for six years has finally been completed.

The new structure at Winchester Road Methodist Church in Highams Park sits in the central courtyard and links the original Edwardian Church to the 1950s community hall. 

The design is intended to make the church and the various rooms more accessible to visitors and members. 

The initial design was first drawn up in 2009, with planning permission secured in February 2012. 

By the end of 2013, the church had raised the necessary £600,000 for the project and building work commenced. 

The church is holding an opening ceremony at January 17 from 2pm to 5pm. 

Reverend Hilary Cheng said: "We are really delighted to be opening this new building.  

"It is the next stage in the life of our church and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone from the church and the wider community who have worked so hard to make this happen.  

"We hope our neighbours will come to say hello and join us for afternoon tea."

December's Christmas bazaar at the Winchester Road church raised over £10,000.