A community organisation is planning a reinvestment into its facilities after finishing its first year of business with a surplus.

The Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford was taken over by a cooperative in April last year.

The former high school building in Staniforth Road is now home to 33 tenants, including local businesses, community organisations, and West Suffolk College.

At its AGM next week, accounts will be presented to its committee showing Charles Burrell Centre Ltd finished its first year with a financial surplus.

Centre manager Mark Snowdon said: 'We knew operating independently would present us with a number of challenges, none greater than meeting our rising running costs to ensure we can continue to develop.

'To complete our first year with a surplus is beyond expected and an achievement we are very proud of. Considering the site was nearly demolished in 2013 we have set a positive example for other local authorities to follow.

'We can now strategically plan for the coming year with a view to make a number of improvements to the site and build a reserve to tackle some of our larger maintenance issues.'

After it opened for community use in May 2014, Charles Burrell Centre Ltd took over running of the former Thetford Academy south site from the town council in April last year.

Mayor of Thetford Terry Jermy, who is also the Charles Burrell Centre committee chairman, said he was 'delighted' with the organisation's success.

'Setting up the centre in the first place took a considerable amount of courage and optimism and it is great that this has resulted in the creation of what is now a fantastic community and business centre.

'The board and staff will not however become complacent after this initial success and recognise that there are challenges ahead,' he said.

Mr Jermy added that the surplus will be 'put to good use', potentially helping towards repairs to one of the centre's roofs.

Members of the public are invited to attend the organisation's AGM at the centre on Wednesday, July 20 from 6pm.

Do you have a story about your community? Email bethany.whymark@archant.co.uk.