A COMMUNITY will be a step closer to building a new £2.7 million church after a pastor vowed to walk 60 miles to raise funds.

Since 2014, members of Sawyers Church, in Sawyers Hall Lane, have held a series of events to help foot the bill for a new community facility in the heart of Brentwood.

 So far they have reached £700,000.

Now, senior minister Peter Jordan will embark on a 70 mile hike along the Crossrail route from Heathrow to Shenfield, including a trek through some of London’s underground tunnels to raise another £50,000.

Mr Jordan, otherwise known as Pastor Pete, said: “I am doing this challenge because as a former police officer in London, I have seen how communities change and often the vulnerable in our society can be forgotten and community can break down.

“We want to raise money for a new building in Brentwood that will be a community hub and where people from different ages, cultures and backgrounds can find support, encouragement and reach their full potential in life.”

It is hoped the new 15,300 ft sq church will be ready by late 2018. It will be a community hub for young people, children, families, individuals, senior people and adults with learning disabilities.

Its opening coincides with the completion of Crossrail.

Once finished, Shenfield Station will be served by 12 trains on what will be called the Elizabeth Line.

The station has been earmarked for a number of substantial upgrades.

There will be a new platform, platform extensions to cater for the new 200 metre long trains, new signage, information screens and CCTV.

Pastor Pete’s Crossrail walk will take place from September 22-24.

To make a donation visit sawyerschurch.org