Renovations to new premises for an elderly people's charity are coming along in the town centre, with staff having moved in to push things ahead.

The venue in Regent Street, which will house Age Concern Great Yarmouth, will be known as the Acorn Centre. It will be where older people can go and join in activities, get information and support, and meet new friends in a safe and supported environment.

This 'centre of excellence', as the charity is calling it, will be able to open early next year due to the support and kind donations that they have received.

One large donation came from Morrisons in Gorleston. The £15,950 from the Morrisons Foundation will help the charity to refurbish its premises, which hopes to reduce social isolation among older people through the provision of regular services and activities. A cheque was presented to the centre last Friday.

Other donations include 800 carpet tiles that came all the way from Carpet Solutions Ltd in Northern Ireland, two fish tanks complete with fish and accessories from Furgo Intersite Ltd, £2,426 from Table Tennis England which will pay for the wooden flooring for table tennis, tea dances and much more. Plus an award from Little Acorns Community Fund of £2,500 will pay for a kitchen.

An additional £2037 has been raised by staff and volunteers through a sponsored walk and cake baking, plus miscellaneous donations received so far of £1,461.43. This brings the total raised so far to £67,088.27 and means refurbishments are well under way.

Services manager Jackie Tierney said: 'So many people have been so kind with their donations and everyone is talking about the centre and asking when we are going to open.

'We still have more money to raise and I hope that people will continue to support the project.'

The centre needs around £110,000 to be fully refurbished before it can open. However, once completed, the ground floor of the centre will be used for activities including a weekly drop in and a point for information and support for older people. There will be seated exercises, soft ball tennis, and a dance floor.

The venue will be open five days a week with different activities in the morning and afternoon.

But you will also be able to drop in just to take the weight off your feet before heading home too.

Upstairs will be Age Concern's administration offices, along with meeting and training rooms which will also be available for rental to other organisations.

There are lots of ways people can help by not only donating money but also their time, as the charity are appealing for help from painters, builders and carpenters. And if anyone would like to make a donation they can contact the office on 01493 262052, email at ageconcern@acgy.org.uk or donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com.