Construction has started on a new community centre which will house a group whose home was destroyed in a fire.

A new community centre is being built in Tarling Road, East Finchley, and will become the new home to the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association, whose home was destroyed in a fire in 2013.

The Tarling Road Community Hub will replace the Old Barnet community centre and have updated facilities such as a learning space, large meeting hall and cafe with a seating area.

Plans to build the centre were approved by Barnet Council's planning committee in March 2016 and around 100 people attended consultations to show what the centre could look like.

The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Brian Salinger said: "We’re delighted that work is now underway on the new community centre in Tarling Road.

"This new centre will provide a modern, fit for purpose facility that all local community groups can apply to use.

"I was greatly impressed by the plans that were presented to me during my visit and I have no doubt that the centre will become a highly valued facility for communities in Barnet."

The construction will be led by Graham Construction.