A daredevil vicar who previously took part in a fundraising skydive is celebrating the completion of a brand new £400,000 state of the art parish centre.
The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Rev John Packer, will be joined by the Mayor of Leeds, Frank Robinson, for the official opening of the centre at St Margaret's Church in Horsforth on Sunday.
The eco-friendly centre, three years in the making, will provide much needed space for the church's growing number of children and young people, and will also open its doors for church meetings, conferences and use by local clubs and groups.
Eco-friendly features include ground source water for under floor heating and washing, and the use of recycled glass bottles for high thermal insulation.
The Rev Rosemary Hayes, who raised funds for the project in a parachute jump two years ago, said: "I can hardly believe that we are finally here at our opening weekend.
"This beautiful building is a tribute to the host of people who have worked so hard and with amazing generosity of both time and money. Our thanks go to all those who have, in some way, made this building possible."
The parachute jump was just one of many novel ideas by the church to help raise funds towards the centre. Others included selling a curate's house, inviting members of the public to sponsor stones, and hosting wine tasting events and sponsored walks.
The official opening will also be marked by events throughout Saturday, including an exhibition of the church past and present.
