An iconic seafront attraction in Great Yarmouth is to receive a spruce up - and you could help make it happen.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth's historic Waterways and Boating Lake. Picture: From the collection of Dr Paul Davies.Great Yarmouth's historic Waterways and Boating Lake. Picture: From the collection of Dr Paul Davies. (Image: Dr Paul Davies)

The Venetian Waterways opened to the public in 1928, creating a miniature Venice on the town’s promenade, a serene haven at the end of the Golden Mile.

However, over the decades it has withered to time and the elements and has seen better days.

Now though, a £2,7m project is bidding to restore it to its former glory, with a call to arms issued for volunteers to help make it happen.

Alison Hall, former exhibitions coordinator at the Time and Tide Museum has started as coordinator for the project, and is looking for volunteers to get involved in the scheme.

She said: “We have some really exciting, varied and unusual volunteering opportunities which offer the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, have fun and make new memories, while contributing to a lasting legacy for Great Yarmouth.

“Regardless of your current skills or how much time you can give, we have something suitable for you and will provide support.”

Roles available in the project include researchers to collate audio memories of the Waterways to be played on listening posts, gardeners and carpenters.

Ms Hall added: “I have a real passion for Great Yarmouth’s rich cultural heritage. This is an opportunity to work on something that is truly unique and has a lasting legacy and impact for the borough.

Barry Coleman, chairman of the council’s economic development committee, said: “The project is moving ahead quickly and we’re really pleased to be at the point of seeking volunteers. “There are so many memories already connecting with the Waterways and through its renewal and the involvement of volunteers we hope to create more.”

The project, which received a £1.7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, has also received support from NEw Anglia LEP and the Department for Communities and Local Government and is being organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust.

On-site preparatory work has started on restoring the original planting scheme and will see some of the current plants removed and reused in other green spaces, while the willow and some trees will remain.

To register an interest in becoming a volunteer, visit www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/waterwaysproject-volunteer