COMMUNITY spirit was alive and well at the weekend as people rallied round to support fundraising efforts at a Barrhead church.

The board at St Andrew’s Church are hopeful building work will begin on a new hall in the spring, with expanded facilities needed due to current demand.

At present, the hall is used by a number of youth organisations within the church, including the Boys’ Brigade, Girls’ Brigade, Guides and Scouts, as well as several external ones.

Members of the congregation have been fundraising for the new hall over the last few years, with planning permission already secured.

Organisers of the church’s Gift Day invited people along on Saturday for some tea and coffee, as well as a blether, in return for a donation to the cause.

There was also a retiral offering after Sunday’s Harvest Service for anyone who couldn’t make it along to the Gift Day.

Elma Farr, session clerk at St Andrew’s Church, was encouraged by the show of support at the latest fundraising event.

She said: “The day went very well and the members are always so very generous.

“We do the Gift Day every year and ask members to come along and donate money to the church’s projects.

“It’s quite an exciting time for the church as we look to build another hall due to demand.

“We need the extra space for all of the activities we host there, both from our own members and from external ones.

“We have childminders and keep fit clubs using the hall.”