BEXLEY’S newest church opened its doors on Saturday and invited everyone in.

The Freedom Centre International, based in Peckham, has transformed the former Mecca Bingo Hall in Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, from a vandalised wreck into a church and community building.

With its roots in Ghana, it was not surprising the African country weas represented at the opening.

The crisis in Egypt prevent the Ghanaian vice president from attending as planned, but its High Commissioner, Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo, joined Bexley’s mayor Councillor Val Clark and other dignitaries for the event and to unveil a plaque.

African music and dance entertainment was provided by Ablade in the new chapel which can seat 1,000 people.

The church took over the Welling building because of the number of people travelling from Welling, Abbey Wood and Thamesmead, to attend its Peckham church.

As well as services, the church hopes to host a number of other activities for the community, especially young people and its building will be available for other community groups to use.