A 'NEW style' of church community has been unveiled in Barrow thanks to the completion of a huge refurbishment project.

Spring Mount Church bought the Salthouse Pavilion in Salthouse Road five years ago with the aim of transforming it into a worshipping community.

With help from countless local businesses - and of course 'God's provision' - the new church was unveiled on Saturday at a dedication ceremony.

Pastor Jonny Harrison said the project had been a labour of love.

"The dedication ceremony was a celebration giving thanks for God's provision," he said.

"In five years we have been able to transform the building.

"It's been quite amazing."

Remarkably, given the dwindling congregations at most churches, Spring Mount's style of worship attracts up to 300 parishioners of all ages to its regular Sunday services, but the Pastor explained it's not a competition.

"We're all part of the same family," he added.

"We just have a different style... we're all there to help people and support the community.

"We just want to love our community."

Saturday's ceremony attracted support from neighbouring churches including the Methodist Church and St George's.

Spring Mount attracts parishioners 'from all backgrounds' and although Salthouse Pavilion is now complete it is still a work in progress, as the Pastor explained.

"This is just the beginning... it's not the end," he said.

Spring Mount thanked businesses including M&P Gadsden, Schofield Construction, Grove Contractors UK, Vanguard Building and Civil Ltd, Chris Murphy Electrical, West Lancs Flooring, Mike Grant, Westmorland Alarms, MG Event and Sound, Jordan Fullard and the Neil Martin Group/Cumbria Civil Engineering.