The cash injection will allow the club to press ahead with its plans to revamp the building, including adding two additional changing rooms, a viewing balcony, an extended entrance and disabled access.

Chairman Steve Hunt, who has led the development committee behind the project, said: "We have worked hard as a club over the last five years to ensure the project would come to fruition.

"This will allow us to further develop the club and continue along its focus club strategy with the Suffolk Cricket Board and allow further development of our youth and adult cricket within the local community.

"Now we must ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget"
Funding for the project has come from the England and Wales Cricket Board, which has stumped up £285,000, and Forest Heath Council, which has agreed a grant of £110,000.

The money will also be used to extend the bar and upgrade the present function rooms and kitchen facilities.

President Tony Cornell added: "This is a wonderful chance to upgrade our cricket pavilion.

"I was involved with the development of the ground nearly 40 years ago and know how hard Steve Hunt and his sub-committee have worked to make this project happen.

"The generosity of both the ECB and Forest Heath is a testimony of how much the club is doing to provide opportunities for so many people of all ages."