Work has started on a £1.2m improvement project for a South Norfolk park.

Kett's Park in Wymondham will soon have a new 3G floodlit pitch, replacing the often waterlogged pitches used until recently.

District and town councillors, as well as young members of Wymondham Town United Football Club gathered to help kick off proceedings on August 16.

South Norfolk Council was awarded a grant of £394,292 from the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund, and a further £250,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy, via the Greater Norwich Growth Board.

These grants will enable local football clubs, organisations and community groups from the town and the surrounding area to enjoy sport all year round, without worrying about the weather.

In the past, the town football clubs were forced to cancel dozens of matches due to waterlogging.

The new grounds will comprise of a full size, floodlit, fenced all weather 3G facility with spectator viewing attached to an existing sports community pavilion and changing rooms.

Yvonne Bendle, South Norfolk Council cabinet member, said: 'This is really exciting news for the residents of Wymondham and surrounding villages.

'The grant will also be used to improve Kett's Park grass pitch complex that along with other grass pitches in the town and surrounding area are prone to waterlogging resulting in lost games and frustrated footballers.

'By providing high-quality facilities, coupled with coaching at the appropriate age group, the Premier League and The FA Facilities Fund aims to improve the experience for regular players as well as attracting new players to the game. 'The new state-of-the-art facility will serve to strengthen the connection between professional football clubs and their local communities.'

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: 'The news that works have officially begun on the brand new facility at Kett's Park will undoubtedly provide a boost for grassroots sport in South Norfolk.

'These facilities not only act as excellent physical and social outlets for communities, but also provide new jobs – during construction and in the years to come, with people needed to support sites in delivering safe and positive environments for any user.'