The first of 41 community projects made possible by £2m of county council cash was unveiled yesterday.

A grant of £1,920 was given to Great and Little Plumstead Parish Council to re-thatch the historic shelter on the village green in Thorpe End.

Norfolk County Council's Community Construction Fund was divided between 'shovel-ready' projects in December to get them up and running, with grants of up to £100,000 being handed out.

Councillors gathered yesterday to see the finished shelter and present a commemorative plaque to mark its completion.

Thorpe End parish councillor Alf Townley said the funding was crucial to restoring an important village building.

'We were delighted when we found out we had been successful in receiving funding to make improvements to the shelter,' he said.

'It is an important landmark within the village as it is an instantly recognisable and attractive building which has been part of Thorpe End's heritage for many years.'

Councillors hope the fund will create or enhance community facilities and stimulate activity in construction by employing Norfolk workers and contractors at every opportunity, as the Thorpe End project did.

County councillor Ian Mackie said he was 'thrilled' at the work, adding: 'This fund is about helping both large and small projects across the county and the grant provided by the Community Construction Fund has enabled this parish project to become a reality. The grant, in conjunction with that received from Broadland District Council, has enabled this to become the first completed project of the fund and will be a fantastic focal point of the village.'

Another funding round is now open – go to www.norfolkfoundation.com/Community-Construction-Fund.htm or call 01603 623958.