A community centre in Harleston has received a financial boost, which will enable it to provide more information and support for local people.

Officials at Harleston Information Plus spoke of their delight after getting a �89,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund (BIG).

The cash injection will help provide improved training to the centre's volunteer team, help stage more information events in the town, and support and extend its regular jobs club, over 60s and carers groups.

The funding comes from BIG's Reaching Communities programme which aims to help those most in need and build stronger communities.

Clive Hudson, chairman of Harleston Information Plus, said: 'We rely so much on our dedicated volunteers and we feel that this award is an endorsement of all that they have been doing. It is the first time we have had a cash grant that has supported what we are already doing when in the past it has been to start things off.'

'We are providing these services on a shoe-string and it is sensible for authorities to support us. We are pulling in �10 for every �1 that is given to us.'

Julie Helsby, community support manager, added: 'The grant will allow us to provide local information and support services that will benefit those individuals who are most disadvantaged by the rural nature of the area, helping reduce travel costs and give easy, friendly, access to information and support.