A NEW community engagement café has opened in Corringham.

An opening event at Thurrock Christian Fellowship's premises at 2-4 Chase Road, the 'Spacious Place' was unveiled was attended by local MP Stephen Metcalfe and borough mayor Cllr James Halden.

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Mr Metcalfe and the mayor cut the ribbon to officially launch 'Spacious Place' – Thurrock's new social enterprise.

After an initial soft launch, the café is now completely open to the public. It is the latest venture of Thurrock Christian Fellowship (TCF) which previously opened Thurrock Foodbank in 2012 in a partnership with the Trussell Trust.

The new café is open to all, whilst also providing support to some of the most vulnerable people in the local area through simple conversation and reduced prices for food and drink.

It is located on the same site as the Foodbank Distribution Centre and TCF's 'outstanding' "Treasure Children Forever Preschool".

Mr Metcalfe said: "Thanks very much to Thurrock Christian Fellowship for inviting me to the official launch. I can already see that 'Spacious Place' is going to be a big asset for the Thurrock community.

"The café's new building is fantastic and complete with state-of-the-art machines and modern design. I would encourage all to pay it a visit."