A WIMBORNE church has unveiled plans for £1 million project to build an internet caf - the first in the town.

St John's Church has already raised half of its target and gained planning permission for the ambitious scheme which is expected to attract young people to its Leigh Road campus.

But the church is also planning to extend and improve its service to other groups such as the elderly.

The first part of the venture is complete with the purchase of a neighbouring house.

The church offices have moved into the house, freeing up space in the church for a purpose-built youth facility.

Vicar the Rev Richard Tulloch emphasised that there was still along way to go with fund raising and the detailed plans would probably not be ready until May.

But £500,000 had been raised from gifts from the congregation coupled with a legacy and the idea was to provide an internet caf and facilities for both adults and young people in Wimborne.

"The vision is we want to be more effective and have facilities for the outsiders so that this is an attractive place," he said.

"We just want to make sure we can have more contact with young people and adults. We want to improve the luncheon club and extend the foyer so that it's more welcoming. We just want to serve the community and have facilities that are fit for purpose. It's a waiting time at the moment - we will have a better idea of things in May."

Town mayor Alan Flint was delighted to hear the news and particularly welcomed a scheme which would be so close to the centre of town.

"I think it's a marvellous idea," he said.

"Anything that's going to help the youngsters to be integrated into the town has got to be good.

"The trouble is at the moment we haven't got facilities for the youngsters. The Planet (drop-in centre) is good but it's bursting at the seams."