A Stowmarket museum has raised more than £400,000 towards its restoration project after launching an appeal last week.
Supporters and officials gathered at the Museum of East Anglian Life on Friday for its Meal Appeal launch, to raise £830,000 towards restoring Abbot's Hall and its grounds.
This week, Michael Argent, chairman of the museum's trustees, said they were already halfway towards their total.
He said: "We've already had a number of corporate, charitable and personal donations amounting to more than £400,000.
"A further £7,000 was raised on Friday, including a cheque for £5,000 from the museum's friends group."
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has already earmarked £1.77 million for the £2.6 million project, provided match funding can be raised.
Tony Butler, museum director, said: "This is a very exciting time for us. We have a fabulous opportunity to put the museum and Stowmarket on the map."
Campaigners have until December to raise the remaining cash, with building work due to start in June 2009 and to be completed by December 2010.
Roy Barker, a trustee, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to secure the future of the museum. It really is the jewel in the crown of Mid Suffolk."
To donate, go to
www.eastanglianlife.org.uk/MEAL-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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