���˿���

A major section of the former Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) has been sold to a church.

King's Community Church has bought the section facing on to Ellon Road for an as yet undisclosed amount.

Aberdeen City Council said the remainder of the site at Bridge of Don was still for sale with the intention for it to be re-developed.

The AECC was replaced by The Event Complex Aberdeen (Teca), which opened last year.

The church told followers on social media they had made the purchase debt-free and with no mortgage.

'Iconic building'

Dr Iain Duthie, lead pastor of King's Community Church, said: "We are an all-age multinational community of over 1,000 people and we are thrilled that the old AECC has become our new church home.

"We are delighted that this iconic building will continue to be of service for the whole city."

He added the Aberdeen North Foodbank, which has helped hundreds of people since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, would also now be based at the site.

"Currently, as with most churches, our Sunday services are online", Dr Duthie said. "But we are looking forward to the day when we can welcome the city through the front doors once again."