Mellis Cricket Club hosted an official opening at their new home on the Thornham Estate, which included a blessing by Rev Adrian Mason, a tree planting and a friendly cricket tournament to mark the occasion.

Club captain and founder member David Williamson said the day, which attracted more than 100 players and friends, had been a big success.

Williamson said: "It was an extremely rewarding day and a very proud one for everyone who helped us get the ground ready."

Mellis, who re-formed in 1990, initially used their village common as their base, before switching their league games to Palgrave Recreation Ground between 2000 and 2006.

The club decided it was impractical to run two grounds and, unable to improve their facilities on Mellis Common, sought pastures new.

Mellis decided to rent the ground, known as The Cricket Field on Thornham Estate, and worked tirelessly to transform the fallow field to recreate the ground where the then Lord Henniker established on the estate in 1876.

The first phase of the project has cost about £10,000, which has been helped by members fund-raising, a £900 grant from Mid-Suffolk District Council, £1,000 from Suffolk County councillor Charles Michell's locality budget and £1,000 from the Busenhart Morgan-Davies Foundation.