Mildenhall parish councillors voted in favour of giving Mildenhall Scouts the money at a meeting on Thursday.

The Scouts had already raised more than £6,500 from various fundraising activities.

However, despite the cash boost, they still need a further £19,000 before the project, on a 30-metre stretch of the River Lark behind their St Andrew's Street base, can be fully completed.

Bob John, Mildenhall Scout group committee member, said: "The Scouts are really pleased that this grant has been given to them, but there is still a long way to go before the project can be completed.

"Hopefully, though, work can start on clearing the area within the near future."

Plans for the jetty were first drawn up in May 2004 after the parish council sealed off the existing one due to health and safety reasons.

Since its closure five years ago, Scouting groups from the town have had to walk across the Jubilee Fields to launch their canoes into the water.

Anyone interested in donating money to the Scout group can contact Mr John on 01638 515805.