IT was 13 years ago that a popular Hedge End clergyman laid the foundations to create a community facility for his growing flock.

St John's Church serves one of the fastest growing areas in Hampshire and there has been a desperate need to expand community facilities.

Sadly, the Reverend Mervyn Spenser Underhill, who had been Hedge End's vicar for 33 years, did not live to see his vision of a parish centre become reality.

He died in 1994, but his name will be forever linked with the new building.

Over the weekend, the £687,000 St John's Church Underhill Centre was officially opened and dedicated to the memory of the much-loved cleric.

A packed congregation of 200 celebrated the official opening and dedication of the centre, which is next to the church.

The service was led by the current vicar, the Reverend Cliff Bannister, who said that the opening of the centre was fulfilling Mr Spenser Underhill's vision that St John's should have its own parish centre.

The centre was dedicated by the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Michael Scott-Joynt, who unveiled a commemorative plaque.

The inscription describes the vision that Mr Spenser Underhill had in creating a centre which would serve the community.

His widow, Brenda Spenser Underhill, ceremonially opened the doors to the centre.

Mr Bannister said that new church centre, which was completed last September, was already proving a great benefit to both church members and the local community.

It offered a flexible meeting place with small meeting rooms, two larger meeting areas, a lift for disabled access to the first floor and a parish office - which is open Tuesdays and Fridays (9am to noon) and Wednesdays (5.30pm to 7pm.)

The facility also includes parking for up to 32 vehicles.

Mr Bannister said: "The project cost around £687,000. Thanks go to the generosity of many church members and local people in the community who supported many fund raising events."

Generous grants included £210,000 from the Winchester Diocese.

The vicar added: "This has been a tremendous achievement and will help St John's church life and many community needs in the future."