A group set up to transform a derelict and overgrown piece of woodland more than 20 years ago is continuing to go 'from strength to strength.'

And a milestone will be marked next week at the Gunton Woodland Community Project (GWCP).

With it being 21 years since the group was first formed in 1996, the GWCP will hold its 20th annual meeting next Wednesday, April 19.

The AGM will be held at 7pm at Gunton Primary Academy on Gainsborough Drive, with the guest speaker being Chris Brooks, who will talk about Lowestoft 'then and now'.

David Briggs, chairman of the GWCP, said: 'The Gunton Woodland Community Project was formed in 1996 and has gone from strength to strength. We set to transform a derelict overgrown piece of woodland near Gunton Church, thus making it a safe and enjoyable local nature reserve.'

After being awarded Nature Reserve Status in 2002, the group now sends out more than 200 newsletters and has about 400 members.

'Our work parties are held every Thursday mornings and up to 35 volunteers turn out for work,' Mr Briggs said. 'We have now reached over 40,000 work hours on the project caring and maintaining the lovely public reserve at Gunton.'

The group also oversees nearby Foxburrow Wood on the A47, and have been stated as one of the most successful volunteer groups in East Anglia.

Mr Briggs added: 'Local businesses have been very supportive over the years, including Pleasurewood Hills, Tesco, The Suffolk Foundation and the National Lottery. After 21 years it is still going strong and we are a well supported group.'