AN appeal has gone out for donations to help a Redditch Church finish an ambitious building project.

After more than two decades of meetings and discussions, St Philip's Church in Webheath started to build an annex which is hoping to provide much needed toilets, a kitchen and cafe area, and an office and meeting space for the community.

Work is well under way on the annex project, but money is needed to finished the build.

Project manager Garry Roberts said it's taken a long time to get this stage, but he is very happy with the results.

"The project has taken a great deal of effort and funds which we have raised to get the project to its current position," he said.

"The internal fit out is now in progress and we will soon have heating, lighting a working kitchen and a toilet for the disabled.

"We still need considerable funds to get the annex to its final stage of completion and any help from the local community that we are trying to support would be very welcome."

The annex will be run as a separate facility to the church and will have its own committee and management team.

It will share its facilities with the church but it will be available to the community for groups and general use.

Mr Roberts said: "The development thus far has cost £280,000; to complete the project we will need a further £65,000.

"The completion of the works within the annex and the external works will cost £44,000 and breakthrough into the church, to provide internal access, will cost £21,000."

He added: "This year sees the 150th anniversary of St Philip's Church and we would love to be able to celebrate this event with the completion of the annex."

A number of celebratory events are being planned throughout the year.

If anyone would like to donate they can visit give.net/20217985 or call 01527 543967.

During the long history of the church there have been many additions to the original building, including a vestry, chancel screen and updating the original pipe organ

It is hoped the annex will serve the community of Webheath by providing a space for a whole range of activities, events, classes and clubs.