AN AMBITIOUS project to raise £600,000 for a new church hall has begun in Swanmore.

Parishioners have already raised £168,000 through grants and donations towards replacing the present Swanmore Methodist Church hall, which is nearly 100 years old.

The hall, which has been used by community groups as well as the church since it was built in 1908, needs a new roof, does not have disabled access, and the downstairs area has become unusable because of the damp.

The move will mean a new home for church groups, West End Choral Society, the Swanmore Society, two Brownie packs and Swanmore pre-school.

The building project, in Chapel Road, Swanmore, will also include an extension for the chapel, which dates from 1864. Church treasurer Les Sutton, of Waltham Chase, has been worshipping at the church for 30 years and is leading the hunt for funding for a new hall.

He said: "The current building has seen better days and it needs bringing into the 21st century.

"We're just hoping we can make it work. There's an awful lot of money still to raise."

Fundraising efforts include an open garden event and a concert by the Hampshire Youth Choir.

Mr Sutton hopes the new building will be in place by the summer of 2006.

To help or make a donation call Mr Sutton on 01489 892824.