Television star Bradley Walsh has said a new £2m community centre for Epping has been needed “for a long, long time”.

The former Coronation Street actor and current presenter of ITV’s The Chase said the Heart of Epping project will be a massive boost to St John’s Church, and the community as a whole.

The project is funding plans for a centre adjoining the church in St John’s Road, providing a community space, meeting rooms and a café.

At a reception and presentation at the church on Saturday (May 21), project patron Mr Walsh said: “It's something that this area has needed for a long, long time.”

He added: “This is the hub of our community.

“This place is sensational.

“When we get a community hall attached to the church, the church can only go one way, and that's up and up.”

The proposals have received full planning permission.

The fundraising effort is now focusing on raising £1m to build the centre and another £1m to furnish it.

The reception on Saturday was attended by more than 100 people.

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing said: “I was delighted to hear that the project has now received its full planning approval and that every effort is now being made to get the 'Heart of Epping' development to its next stage.

“St John's Church is already quite literally at the heart of Epping and a community centre building adjoining the church will only further strengthen the church's role as a focal point for the community in the town.

“I thank everyone who has been involved with the Heart of Epping appeal so far, and wish them all the very best as the massive fundraising effort continues.”

To make a donation to the Heart of Epping appeal visit https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/stjohnthebaptistchurchepping.