The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, who supported the project in 2015 with a letter to the Big Lottery, wielded a ceremonial spade to cut the first sod of earth to mark the start of construction.

Wisbech Standard: Year 5 pupils from Marshland St James primary school at the cutting of the first sod for the village's new sports and community centre.Year 5 pupils from Marshland St James primary school at the cutting of the first sod for the village's new sports and community centre. (Image: Archant)

The event on the sports field in Smeeth Road was attednded by children from the village primary school,

The new facility should open early in 2018.

Ms Truss said: “Thanks and congratulations for getting the project to this stage should go to the trustees and organising Committee of the Marshland St James and District Community and Sports Centre (MDCSC): Sue Askew, John Askew, Lee Chapman, Martin Peckitt, David Gathercole, Sonya Gowler, Joseph Gowler, Brian Long, Stephanie Reeve, Rebecca Robinson, Thelma Wadsley, Jeremy Wilkinson, and Andy Stephens.

“Also to the trustees of the existing Jubilee Hall for their continuing support for the project: Gillian Fox, Ethel Cooper, Lorraine Boyce, Dia Matthews, Christine MacCallum, Joan Thompson, Colin Thompson, Glenda Webb. And of course to the parish council and to the borough Counci.

Wisbech Standard: Parish council chairman, Sue Askew and King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council leader, Brian Long. Year 5 of Marshland St James Primary School and the Trustees of the Jubilee Hall (the old village hall) and members of the WI with MP Liz Truss at the cerremony.Parish council chairman, Sue Askew and King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council leader, Brian Long. Year 5 of Marshland St James Primary School and the Trustees of the Jubilee Hall (the old village hall) and members of the WI with MP Liz Truss at the cerremony. (Image: Archant)

“Thanks also to all the parishioners and local businesses that have responded so generously to the fundraising appeals. And also to the various grant giving bodies and trusts who helped with funding.”

The bulk of the cash has come from Big Lottery Fund capital grants who have given a total £703,000; Sport England contributed £65,000 and the community raised a whopping £27,000 towards it too.

Tesco helped with money from its Bags of Help fund handing over £8,000. Proceeds of the sale of the land on which the old hall is sited has also helped towards the £1million total.

Representatives from the architects, Swan Edwards, and the building contractor, Walkers, also attended the ceremony on Friday morning.

Wisbech Standard: Ms Liz Truss MP with Lee Chapman, and Andy Stephens with Sue Askew and Brian Long pictured as she cuts the first sod to start work on the Marshland St James sports and community centre.Ms Liz Truss MP with Lee Chapman, and Andy Stephens with Sue Askew and Brian Long pictured as she cuts the first sod to start work on the Marshland St James sports and community centre. (Image: Archant)

the new building will have a main hall, community shop and cafe as wellas a meeting room space for classes and training and improved sports changing facilities including separate rooms for home and away teams.