A CHURCH in Weston is hoping to expand to cope with its ever-growing congregation.

A CHURCH in Weston is hoping to expand to cope with its ever-growing congregation.

A planning application has been submitted to North Somerset Council for the building of a two-storey hall linked to St Andrew's Church in Grove Road.

The building will be constructed between the church and the rectory behind to provide more space for services and occasions such as weddings and christenings.

Cameras and TV screens will mean that during busy times services in the church can be viewed easily by those in the hall.

It is also intended for the hall to be used for social events, although no alcohol will be sold on the premises.

A classroom on the first floor will also provide a space for religious education classes, which the church currently holds at a property in Orchard Street.

The outside of the new building will be rendered and random stonework will be used to match the existing church walls.

The application also includes the alteration of the gates at the entrance to the church yard to enable pall bearers to carry coffins through them.