THE Reverend Ruth Cram is thrilled with the community spirit in Taw Hill and cannot wait for its new church to be built.

Work on the 200-seat church, called St Francis Taw Hill, begins in October. The church will serve the growing new estate in north Swindon.

The Rev Cram, 50, said: "I have been in the post for more than a year now and the community here is growing stronger every day. We are really looking forward to having a bigger place of worship."

She currently holds services in the Taw Hill Worship Centre, in Queen Elizabeth Way, and St Andrew Parish Church in Blunsdon.

When St Francis Taw Hill opens next summer, the Rev Cram hopes it will also be used as a training and conference centre.

"It is a modern building with lots of exciting potential," she said.

"I am really pleased with how the area is developing and people are getting involved in community activities."

Drop in sessions for parents and young children are run in the worship centre on Mondays at 10am and 1.30pm.

They are an opportunity for parents to meet local people while their children play.

For more information call 01793 701353.