Ref. 28388-8THE Rev Ruth Cram is a key figure in the development of the area.

Not only will she lead the new congregation, which will use the St Francis School hall, in September, she will also be chairwoman of the governors.

"The school is vital to this area and it will be a massive boost for the community," said the Rev Cram, who currently runs her congregation from Taw Hill Worship Centre a stone's throw away from school.

"If we all work together we can make it stunning."

Initially, when plans were being drawn up for the area, it was hoped that a church would be built.

Although that hasn't materialised, she is happy with the decision to combine the church with the school.

Ref. 289976The Rev Cram said: "A school hall can be a very nice place to hold services and, of course, it will result in an even closer relationship with the school, which can't be a bad thing."

Come September, she says she will do her best to set up groups such as scouts and guides for the area.

In addition, it is hoped that the church can set up a Sunday school around the nearby Orbital Shopping Centre.

While the Rev Cram acknowledges that not everyone in Taw Hill is religious, she says faith has played a pivotal role in creating a sense of community spirit.

She said: "I know that many people may not be churchgoers but when you get people together who have a faith, what they can achieve is out of all proportion to their numbers."