Beccles’ new £7m southern relief road will open to the public for two hours on Saturday for a family walk or cycle before its official opening.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the road will be available for those on foot or by bicycle from the Cucumber Lane access point, with the event taking place between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, September 22.

Beccles mayor, Elfrede Brambley-Crawshaw, said: “I’m so pleased we’ve had the opportunity to open the relief road to the general public before it’s official opening on September 25.

“I’m hoping that lots of families will come and enjoy the opportunity to cycle or walk on the fresh tarmac uninhibited by traffic, the views towards Beccles are beautiful.

“This is a historic occasion never to be repeated again, and has been made possible due to support from Beccles Town Council, M and H Plastics, Jacksons, Suffolk Highways department and lots of volunteers!”