A community centre in Ipswich is one step closer to building a new all-weather sports surface for local youth teams to enjoy, thanks to a £1,000 donation from Persimmon Suffolk.

The regional team selected Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre to receive the funding through the Building Futures scheme, which supports organisations working with the under-18s.

Stuart Lawson, general manager from the organisation, said: “Our purpose is to provide the best facilities for sports, recreation and community events for the residents of Kesgrave and surrounding areas.

“We have football camps, strong U8-U18 football teams, a thriving girls’ team and regular sports camps. We are trying hard to get a new all-weather sports surface for the site and this grant will help towards building the biggest and best pitch ever!”

Ian Hamilton, managing director of Persimmon Suffolk, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre with their exciting projects in the local community.”