Business owners, members of the public and social enterprises gathered as a charity relaunched a symbolic community hub.

Opened in 2016, Sams Coffee House in Lowestoft is operated by Access Community Trust as a space to interact with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Among the trust's primary activities are to promote social inclusion and provide people with wellbeing and employment services, as well as help those in need to find much-needed accommodation.

The Bevan Street East café endeavours to bring the community together, while also offering a range of locally-sourced products.

As the trust continues to grow and increases its proactivity in Lowestoft and beyond, their team decided to reinvigorate Sams Coffee House by inviting business leaders and community figures along for a special relaunch event.

Speaking at the relaunch, Antony Parke, customer and commercial projects manager for Access Community Trust, said: 'It's been a very successful day and we've had a number of people from the business community coming to the coffee house and developing an understanding of that we do.

'There's a really good opportunity for local businesses to start helping the trust, who are constantly available to help people.

'On top of that, the café has an excellent new buffet menu which is a match for any caterer!'

Phil Aves, change manager at Lowestoft Rising, added: 'It's really important that we get the community and businesses working together in Lowestoft.

'We saw during the recent bad weather what happens when the community comes together during tough times.'

The event was also attended by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert.

Mr Probert was enthusiastic about Lowestoft's prospects for the future, highlighting Access Community Trust's extensive efforts to broaden the horizons of the community.

'I love coming to Lowestoft and I'm very enthusiastic about the future of the town, especially given what's being done here to provide more opportunities for younger people,' he said.

'This area has so much going for it and there is so much happening when you scratch beneath the surface. Every place has its difficulties but there are plenty of things that the town is doing well.'