THE only Suffolk town to be part of the Paralympic Torch Relay event has been boosted by a grant of more than �20,000 to help make a celebration event possible.

Needham Market is one of only 34 communities across the country that will host official Flame Celebrations as part of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay.

Needham Lake will host a variety of colourful acts including music, comedy and theatre groups when the Suffolk Paralympic Flame Celebration event starts on Friday, August 24, at 2pm.

The organisers have spoken of their delight after the Arts Council awarded the �21,000 grant.

Arts officer at Mid Suffolk District Council, Zoey Furzer, said: “We have received money from the Arts Council to commission an installation in the lake as part of the event, by Avanti Display.

“We now can afford to have a fantastic finale – it’s a fitting end. The funding will raise the bar and give an event people will remember.

“We look forward to welcoming people from all across Suffolk to celebrate.”

A lantern procession led by the Suffolk School of Samba will start at the lake at 7.30pm.

The procession will go through Needham Market High Street and finish back at the lake for the grand fire finale to start at 9.30pm.

Suffolk’s Paralympic flame ambassador, Amy Nettleton, will carry the flame around the town.

She will be flanked by local residents who have made a significant contribution to the prospects of people with disabilities.

Chair of Mid Suffolk Lesley Mayes said: “This fantastic flame celebration event is something all the family will find entertaining.”

The free event is a partnership between Mid Suffolk, Suffolk County Council, Needham Market Town Council, Arts Council England East and Optua. The organisers are looking for volunteers to help out with various aspects of the event including site control, car parking, event support and stewarding.

If you are interested in getting involved in the event, please contact 01449 724641.