A rapidly growing community church has launched its third site with a youth outreach centre at Hartismere High School, in Eye.

Forge Eye developed out of The Forge Community Church, which has met in Mid Suffolk for 25 years and runs Sunday services with live music and talks relevant to everyday life.

Jonny Abbott, who grew up in Ipswich and trained at Moorlands Bible College, said he is excited to be heading up Forge Eye.

'We've worked hard to ensure that Forge Eye is a warm and welcoming environment perfect for those exploring the idea of faith and facilitating Christians to join together and support one another,' he said.

'I am particularly excited about establishing our youth outreach centre, The Base, here in Eye.

'This fantastic project helps create a fun, safe environment for local young people aged 11 to 17 to meet together and make new friendships.

'I am thrilled to think about enabling a generation of young people to think positively about themselves and become the best they can be, and how this could impact Eye in the future.'

Senior leader of The Forge Community Church, Steve Fenning, who is a former pupil of Hartismere High School, said: 'This is a fantastic chance for us as a church to reach those in Eye and the surrounding villages.

'The launch of Forge Eye represents an opportunity for those curious about faith, with big questions about the world around them to join with others in a safe and supportive environment.

'Each Sunday we create a programme that helps people connect, and present teaching that can be easily applied to everyday life. Helping people find and follow Jesus, and helping those in need, is at the very core of who we are.'

The Forge is focused on benefitting the communities where it meets, in partnership with professionals from local agencies and those further afield.

It was at the forefront of promoting foodbanks to help the needy in the community.

Alongside this, it runs a furniture project that provides house furnishings and supports families by providing beds for children to sleep in.

For more information, visit www.forgechurch.com