A church was rededicated after it reopened its newly upgraded facilities.

The Rededication Service at St John's United Reformed Church in Somerset Road, New Barnet, was led by the minister Revd Julian Templeton and attended by more than 70 people.

Also in attendance were Deputy Mayor of Barnet Cllr Val Duschinsky, who contributed to the service, and the moderator of the United Reformed Church Thames North Synod, Revd Dr Andrew Prasad, who led the communion.

The sanctuary has been closed for four months while a new refreshment area, accessible toilet, audiovisual system, improved lighting and seating were installed, during which time the congregation worshipped in the church hall.

Revd Templeton said: "Due to the generosity and vision and expertise of many, we’ve succeeded in opening up our building as a community-wide resource and a hub of worship and fellowship."

St John’s Church was formed in 1963 by the union of St Augustine’s Presbyterian Church and the New Barnet Congregational Church and became part of the United Reformed Church in 1972 when Presbyterians and Congregationalists united nationally.