Little more than three years ago a small group of fundraisers set about raising the staggering sum of £350,000 to build an extension to St Alban's Church in Tattenhall to house a meeting room and much-needed toilets.

This daunting task was realised last week when the Bishop of Chester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster, led the celebrations with prayers of dedication when the Vault Community Room was officially declared open.

Members of the congregation were among invited guests from the community and those who had donated significant sums of money to the cause.

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The evening was a mix of chat with wine, delicious refreshments and an opportunity to look round The Vault.

Jane Richards, a member of the fundraising team, explained that as well as donations and grants, there had been an enormous variety of fundraising events over the years which included Tea at The Ritz at the Barbour Institute, a variety of concerts, voting for and singing Tattenhall’s top ten favourite hymns, and a sponsored walk up Snowdon.

Such was the dedication to the cause, the rector and a church warden, Georgina Blackhurst, risked life and limb to do a zip wire challenge.

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To add a little humour to the serious business of fundraising,the team toyed around with some lavatorial puns which led to the fundraising group becoming known as The Privy Council.

During the short formal part of the proceedings the Rev Canon Lameck Mutete, Rector of St Albans, thanked the Privy Council for their dedication and determination.

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The evening concluded with the cutting of a cake of St Alban's and a fantastic fireworks display.

An open day for all was also held which saw a steady flow of visitors eager to see the results of the activity over the last three years.