A charity's boss has been appointed to lead the delivery of a £20 million fund for Felixstowe.

Felixstowe West will be one of 169 neighbourhoods receiving money from the Government over the next decade for investment in community projects.

The funding is designed to target areas facing economic and social challenges and give local people the power to address them.

Shez Hopkins, who has been chosen as the chairwoman of the board responsible for its delivery, said she was keen to get to work.

"We have a chance to make a real and lasting difference to people's lives in this part of our town," she said, "I am committed to making sure that local voices are at the centre of everything we do."

Outside her new role, Ms Hopkins works as the CEO of the Level Two Youth Project, which provides services for young people in the town and the surrounding area.

The charity, which has been operating since 2001, helps more than 800 children each year across a range of issues, from antisocial behaviour to isolation and challenges around home schooling.

Ms Hopkins will now work with Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, the MP for the area, and East Suffolk Council to appoint the rest of the board, which will include representatives from the community, as well as the voluntary and business sectors.

The MP said: "The Pride in Place programme is a game-changing opportunity for Felixstowe — and having a strong, community-led board at its heart is essential to making it a success.

"Together we will make sure this investment delivers for the people who need it most."

Those keen on being involved with the board for Felixstowe West can register their interest online by Saturday, May 23, using this link: https://getcampaigning.co.uk/survey/59dfeace-5d4c-4931-ab7f-b8a6d7608101?hub=pride-in-felixstowe