Ashtead parish is calling on churchgoers to help raise £1.5m to replace a dilapidated church hall.

More than £600,000 has already been collected to replace the 40-year-old St Giles Parish Hall near 12th century parish church St Giles.

Reverend Dr Bob Kiteley, the rector of Ashtead, said: “The time has come to replace St Giles Hall.

“We are an active and growing church.

“As a result, we need more space to house our expanding children’s ministry, to help people grow in their spiritual journeys and to increase our community engagement.”

A design has been created, but does not yet have planning permission, and it is hoped construction will start in spring 2014.

Jan Barker, leader of the Parish Dell Project, said: “We are really excited about creating a centre which is modern and comfortable and which can provide very flexible accommodation.

“It will be in harmony with the lovely setting, keeping a low profile but allowing for lots of light to come into the building.”