A project to transform a derelict building into an arts and heritage project has been given a valuable £100,000 boost.

The funding for the Wells Maltings project comes from The Clore Duffield Foundation - an organisation that aims to support projects that engage with the community - and has funded more than 50 museums, galleries and heritage learning spaces across the UK since 2000.

The money will go towards the £5m goal needed to transform the derelict Maltings building into the new Maltings complex and will mean the addition of a new Clore learning space that will offer art and learning facilities for young people.

Newly -ppointed Wells Maltings general manager Simon Daykin said: 'This is exceptionally good news, both for our capital development and for our future plans.

'With Clore Duffield's support, we can now offer first class facilities and space for our local community to get involved and come together and explore their creativity.

'That's a huge part of what the Maltings stands for. We are so very grateful for the Foundation's support and the opportunities that it has opened up - for everyone.'

Further fundraising for the project is still ongoing in an effort to secure the remaining £350,000 needed to deliver the required technical equipment.

A large part of this has come from the community, with almost £4,000 recently raised through raffles for a community-made quilt, and works donated by local Wells artists.

Other sources of funding have included the Heritage Lottery Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, North Norfolk District Council, Foyle Foundation and generous sponsorship from private donors and public donations.

The redevelopment of Wells Maltings entered a new phase this year with the start of major construction work on the new community, arts, heritage and leisure spaces and a tourist information centre.

The Clore Duffield Foundation was founded by Sir Charles Clore and has helped to fund other landmark schemes such as Hampton Court Palace, Tate Britain, V&A Museum and The British Museum.

Plans for the project can be seen at the Well's Maltings website.