A new group has been launched in Beccles to tackle child cruelty locally and raise awareness and support for the NSPCC.

The fundraising committee formed at a reception in the town last Friday, hosted by Waveney MP Peter Aldous and Beccles mayor Caroline Topping, with around 100 people turning out to show their support.

The group will be part of the North Suffolk branch of the NSPCC, which already has committees in Lowestoft, Bungay and Walberswick, along with supporters in Eye and Peasenhall.

One of the guest speakers at the reception was a Beccles woman who spoke about the abuse she suffered during her childhood.

Deputy mayor Hugh Taylor stepped forward as chairman, and will be joined on the committee by Craig Rivett as secretary and Andrea Downes as social media coordinator, with many others, including Mrs Topping, pledging their support.

Mr Taylor said: 'Every year the mayor of Beccles is invited to the annual general meeting of the North Suffolk branch at Somerleyton Hall. I attended the last one on behalf of Caroline and felt we really should be doing something in Beccles to help.

'So with the support of the NSPCC, Peter, Caroline and Terry Reeve from the Bungay group, we set up the reception. It was a resounding success and I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped and attended and to the Waveney House Hotel who gave us the room for free.

'Our aim is to raise awareness about the work of the NSPCC and help the charity to develop its services locally.'

The first meeting of the group will be held after Easter, and members are hoping to hold two fundraising events each year.

Mr Aldous said: 'The reception was well attended and we heard about the very good work the NSPCC is doing.

'It was very thought provoking and it seems abuse is more prevalent than one might assume.

'It's a good cause which is very much needed and there is a real determination to get a group going.'