A charity which has been supporting bereaved children in Norfolk for 17 years held its topping out ceremony today marking a countdown until the £600,000 headquarters are open.

The organisation started fundraising for its new home two years ago, with an aim to create a place where children, young people and their families could be helped during a time of loss.

Currently based at Meridian Way with little space, soon the charity will have a new home at the Octagon Business Park in Little Plumstead.

And today the charity's patrons, Lord Lieutenant Richard Jewson, television presenter Carol Bundock and Norfolk's former coroner William Armstrong, volunteers and staff gathered at the site just three weeks before completion.

Colin Lang, chief executive of Nelson's Journey, said the building is a huge step for the charity.

'The most important thing for us is that for the first him in our charity history we are able to bring young people to us,' he said.

'They come to us and receive support – and hopefully fulfil our aim to put a smile back on a bereaved child's face.'

The new centre will also have space for support groups and families and provide accommodation for training professionals who work with children and might need bereavement guidance.

See tomorrow's paper for the full story.