It's official - work has begun to build Colchester's Community Stadium, with the first sod turned on site on Monday afternoon.

Colchester's Deputy Mayor Cllr Peter Crowe put the first spade in the ground with the help of six-year-old Scott Mason and U's legend Peter Wright.

Scott earned his place in the hearts of U's fans and Colchester townspeople when he spoke passionately about the need for a Community Stadium at November's council meeting where the £10 million borrowing for the project was unanimously approved.

They were joined by representatives from Colchester Borough Council, Colchester United, Colchester United Community Sports Trust, members of the stadium board and the construction team from the stadium contractor Barr Limited.

Essential funding for the project has also been provided by the Football Foundation (£2m), EEDA (£1m) and Haven Gateway growth point money (£1m).

Cllr Robert Davidson, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: "It's incredibly exciting to be standing on our new community stadium site.

"We have only been able to reach this point thanks to a strong partnership between the Council, the Club and the Trust. This time next year time we will have a 21st century community stadium which will be a fantastic flagship and gateway into Colchester."

Peter Heard, Colchester United Football Club Life President, said: "It is a long while since the Second World War when all of this started!

"At long last, we have got there and it is certainly a memorable day for everyone concerned. Roll on the opening day at the new stadium.

"My thanks must go to those who have provided the leadership and drive to get to the project to this stage, namely Council Leader Robert Davidson, Chief Executive Adrian Pritchard and Head of Renaissance Programme Steve Clarke."

Steve Bradshaw, Chief Executive of Colchester United Community Sports Trust, said: "It is a very proud day for Colchester and one that marks the beginning of a new era for the Community Sports Trust.

"I am looking forward to developing a range of programmes in partnership with the public to improve health and engage young people in educational projects that generate a community ethos in the areas immediately surrounding the Community Stadium."

Mike Springett, Chair of the Colchester United Community Sports Trust, said: "Together with our partners, the Community Sports Trust will drive the community dimension of the stadium forward.

"We will nurture success and make a unique contribution to the overall impact the Colchester Community Stadium will have on children, young people and adults everywhere.

"This is a momentous day and one I am very excited to be part of. With our partners we will ensure that the stadium has long term stability and sustainability and enable the community to be embedded into the everyday life of the stadium."

Bill Fraser, Unit Director for Stadia Contractor Barr Limited, said "We are delighted to have reached this important landmark in constructing Colchester's new Community Stadium and look forward to welcoming the people of Colchester to the new facility when complete next year.

"The Colchester Community stadium will be a prestigious addition to Barr's stadia portfolio."