A Beccles football club has secured a £10,000 grant towards a project to build an all-weather sporting facility to serve the local community.

Beccles Caxton Football Club received the funds from Tesco through their Bags of Help fundraising initiative. The scheme distributes money raised from the 5p carrier bag charge to green-space projects.

And shoppers were asked to vote for which of the three shortlisted projects should get the sums of £8,000, £10,000 and £12,000.

Club treasurer Mark Carter said the money was a “big boost” for the club’s plans to transform the old tennis courts at Caxton Meadow into an all-weather sporting facility that can be used by schools, sports clubs and community groups.

He said: “We’re over the moon, it’s brilliant. When I got the email I was very, very happy, it’s a big boost, it can push us along very well.”

Kessingland Parish Council and Roman Hill Primary in Lowestoft were the two other groups nominated for the grants.

Mr Carter said the renovated space would be important for the community as a whole. He said: “Community groups like the cubs, scouts, children’s groups, even schools, will be able to use it free of charge which, for the community, is a big bonus.”

He said another £1,500 was needed for goals, fencing and other facilities which will allow the space to be completely finished.

“There’s more to be done but we’re quite a way forward with it now, when all the plans are in place and with this money we can obviously start on the next stage which is great,” said Mr Carter.

The club is now planning to apply for funding from the National Lottery and the FA.

Six members of the team are planning to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End next year to raise money and are looking for sponsors.