A south Norfolk church continued its expansion last week with the official opening of a town centre base in Diss.

A first floor office in Mere Street has been turned into a community resource by the DC3 Diss Community Christian Church.

The town centre base, which is in addition to its centre in Vinces Road, Diss, will be open as a prayer room five days a week and will offer free counselling on bereavement, budgeting and pregnancy advice.

The 'Number 7' centre will also be home to street pastors, who will be out and about in the town centre on Friday evenings.

Graham Blake, church leader of DC3, said the organisation, which has about 220 members, was keen to provide more support in the community.

'I think there is such a need for these sorts of things and we get so many referrals. It is a neutral place and it is easily accessible and you do not have to cross the threshold of a church door,' he said.

Tony Palmer, town and district councillor, who opened the base, said: 'I have experience of the good work DC3 has done in this area over the years and I am delighted to see these additional services, which are accessible to the community in the centre of the town.'

It comes as officials from DC3 are looking to find a place in Harleston for a new Christian community centre.