MORE than 1,000 residents now have a community centre on their housing estate after a fundraising campaign led by volunteers.The community building at Kyson, Woodbridge, has been named after former Woodbridge mayor, Fred Reynolds, 77, in honour of his dedicated efforts to secure money for the project.

MORE than 1,000 residents now have a community centre on their housing estate after a fundraising campaign led by volunteers.

The community building at Kyson, Woodbridge, has been named after former Woodbridge mayor, Fred Reynolds, 77, in honour of his dedicated efforts to secure money for the project.

Naming the building the Fred Reynolds Centre also recognises the support Mr Reynolds, of Broomheath, has given to numerous voluntary organisations in the town in recent years. A former BT engineer, he can often be found sorting out computer problems for the town council employees and voluntary bodies.

He has had various roles in the twinning group with the French town of Mussidan; the community hall; the WI Thursday Market; the Rochford House project for young people and the town's tennis club. He does the accounts for four groups.

Mr Reynolds is treasurer for the Kyson Community Association and he was successful with his second application in obtaining a grant of £140,467 from the Community Fund of the National Lottery Charities Board for the centre on land at the rear of 15-25 Churchill Close, off Peterhouse Crescent.

Mr Reynolds, a town councillor, said: ''I feel very honoured that the centre is named after me. The idea came totally out of the blue and I express my appreciation.''

The centre was urgently required because when new houses were built several years ago to replace out-dated homes, no community facilities were provided. The development has tided up an overgrown area of the estate

The centre has a main function room for 70 people, an office, storage rooms and toilets. Outside there is a play area for children aged seven and under.

Activities range from bingo and tai-chi to a mother and toddler group and there is a Suffolk Heritage Housing surgery on Wednesday mornings to tackle housing issues. Sovereign Turf Ltd and D R King and Son donated turfing and shrubs.

George Rose, chairman of Kyson Community Association and Suffolk Heritage's community ranger, said: ''It was in 1996 that we first started on this project and we are all delighted that it has finally happened. The main concern now is making it pay as we are going to be self supporting.''

Bookings for the centre are being taken by Tracey Lawrence on 01394 388745.