A youth project has been given a huge boost after receiving a £10,000 cash injection from Watton Town Council.The grant, which was presented to Watton's Project Rainbow at the council's monthly meeting last week and is the biggest single donation it has ever given.

A youth project has been given a huge boost after receiving a £10,000 cash injection from Watton Town Council.

The grant, which was presented to Watton's Project Rainbow at the council's monthly meeting last week and is the biggest single donation it has ever given.

It will enable the project to decorate and open up its new drop in centre at the town's former medical surgery and the council has pledged to follow up the cash with another £10,000 as and when it is needed.

The surgery, which is expected to open later this month, is currently being rented but a £4.8m lottery bid has been submitted which should enable the project to buy the surgery and expand the facilities it offers.

Watton mayor Paul McCarthy said he was pleased to be able to present the money to such a worthy cause.

He said: “Everybody is behind this project and wants to make this happen for the young people.

“I would like to thank all the committee from the project for bringing it to its present stage.

“I hope the young people appreciate it and take advantage of what is being given to them.”

Mr McCarthy said he was hopeful that despite the economic down other sources of funding, especially the lottery bid, would still be forthcoming to keep the project going in the coming years.

He also said the contribution of other youth groups, such as the cubs and scouts, should not be forgotten in the excitement over the opening of the Project Rainbow.