IT WAS standing room only for worshippers at the 'phenomenal' launch of a new church and community centre.

A congregation of almost 90 filled the top floor of the Neos520 Centre on Weston Road, Meir, and around 30 children took part in the church's inaugural service downstairs.

The £500,000 centre is the most recent development by Bethel City Church which has five other 'campuses' in the city.

Pastor James Galloway, who led Sunday's service, said: "I knew there would be a large response from the Meir community but I was overawed by the number of people that turned up.

"Out of all the communities we're working in, the Meir response has been phenomenal."

"Our vision is for the congregation to grow and serve the needs of the community. We hope to offer inspiration and aspiration for Meir."

Neos520, which draws its name from the Greek word for new and the nearby A520, occupies two floors.

The large open-plan first floor will be used for services on Sunday and by community groups throughout the week.

The ground floor is a coffee shop that opens for business today.

Pastor Galloway said: "We hope to serve free breakfasts at the coffee shop and run after-school clubs. It's very liquid so we can shape ourselves around the needs of the community.

"It offers an environment like Starbucks or Nero for people.

"We saw in The Sentinel how much fast food and junk food was available in Meir and we wanted to provide somewhere that would offer healthy alternatives.

"We're also hoping to put Sky Sports on the screens so lads and dads can come and watch the games if they haven't got satellite at home and have some computers so kids can come after school and do their homework."

Community pastor Gary Morris, aged 41, from Weston Coyney, has also been overwhelmed by the response.

He said: "There were 89 people upstairs and standing room only, it was great – it was like a party."

The centre, which was formerly a church, became the property of Bethel City Church 18 months ago.

Since then Bethel City Church has funded the building and renovation work of the site on Weston Road.

Pastor Morris said: "The centre will act as a beacon for this community.

"We hope people come in the coffee shop and use it, it's a very relaxed atmosphere.

"The slogan is 'A place where you can be' – we don't want people to have any pretences because we're a church, we want it to be a place where you can come and be yourself.

"I think it's just great – Bethel City Church is a city-wide church and we love the whole city."

Bethel City Church also has 'campuses' in Abbey Hulton, Cheadle, Fenton, Hanley and Trentham.