BUILDERS are today being invited to apply for the contract to build the memorial to murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall.Organisers of the project – which will see a mini-soccer academy created in the teenager's home village, Trimley St Mary – are keen to start as soon as possible.

BUILDERS are today being invited to apply for the contract to build the memorial to murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall.

Organisers of the project – which will see a mini-soccer academy created in the teenager's home village, Trimley St Mary – are keen to start as soon as possible.

Trustees of the Evening Star-spearheaded memorial appeal, now have all the funds needed – £100,000 from fundraising, a £161,000 grant towards the cost of the sports pavilion, and £50,000 for a football development programme.

Bob Race, chairman of Trimley Red Devils, which will manage the project, said: "It would be wonderful if we could make a start on the building soon and get as much as possible done during the summer when the weather is best.

"With the football season coming to a close this is a good time for the work to be done. We are not sure how long it will take until we talk to builders but it would be great to have it for next season."

Mr Race is appealing for builders who would be interested in the contract to build the pavilion on Stennett's Memorial Playing Field to contact him so that they can be included in the tender process.

The trustees will be drawing up a specification for the building, which already has planning permission.

The clubhouse will include four team changing rooms, showers, officials' rooms, storage, kitchen together with a community area, and is expected to cost around £240,000.

Builders should send their details to Mr Race at 6 The Josselyns, Trimley St. Mary, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 0XW, or e-mail robert.race@ntlworld.com

The trustees are currently finalising the lease for the land with the Trimley St Mary Parish Council and playing field committee.

Vicky's parents, Graham and Lorinda Hall, of Faulkeners Way, who both help with the running of the Trimley Red Devils, have been thrilled by the Football Foundation grants which have completed the appeal.

They say the project will be a fitting memorial to Vicky because it will be permanent and for the whole village to use, especially youngsters but also people of all ages.

The football club has more than 150 players from under eights boys teams to the under 16 team. The new facilities are expected to attract many new players, including girls' teams linked to the Suffolk Active Sports Programme, which received a £50,000 boost from the Foundation earlier in the month.

This money is separate from the building grant and will be used to deliver the football development plan for Trimley, in conjunction with the plan for Felixstowe and district.

WEBLINK: www.footballfoundation.org.uk