Fundraising efforts have continued in Beccles this week to build a new community skatepark.

The Beccles Society has donated a cheque for £500 to the Beccles Skatepark Committee, who so far have raised around £50,000 for the project.

The money will go towards replacing the wooden skatepark in Common Lane with a more modern and improved concrete park, with the total cost of the project estimated at £150,000.

Nik Rose, chairman of the committee, said they are now looking to submit an application to Sport England for additional funding.

He said: 'The Beccles Society came forward to us because they wanted to help.

'We attended one of their meetings and they have been great by supporting us with the £500 cheque.

'We are now around a third of the way towards our target. This week we are applying for Sport England funding.

'Should this be granted we could receive anywhere between £1,000 and £100,000 and obviously the latter would be huge for us so we will try for that and see how it goes.

'The skatepark is used by a huge amount of people so it's important to raise the funds so we can improve the site.'

The Beccles Skatepark Committee has been working hard to raise awareness and funds for the project, with information packs including the park's history, a new vision, and design drawings sent out to local businesses to gather support.

Calls for an updated skatepark have been going on for around two years. The existing skate park was installed in 2003 and is near the end of its life.

Paul Flecther, chairman of the Beccles Society, said: 'We are very impressed with the community spirit behind the fundraising project and with the speed they are getting all the money together.

'The project will provide a safe and attractive place for people to participate in this fast growing sport and therefore it's a laudable project and we are delighted to be able to support this scheme and provide the donation.'

To find out about how you can help the scheme search for Beccles Skatepark Community on Facebook.