A former weekly newspaper office is set to reopen as a video gaming cafe later this month.

The Dereham Times left its High Street headquarters, pictured below, last year after 10 years for a new home at Breckland Business Centre, around a five-minute walk away.

Now the High street site has been converted into a cafe called Level Up, which will offer gamers access to the latest games and consoles while also providing an opportunity for them to compete with other players online.

Customers will be able to pick up light snacks and refreshments while they play.

The former office of the Dereham Times on High Street

Co-owner Alex Chenery told the Times: “People I’ve spoken to have all been really excited about the idea and think it would be a good asset for the town.

“We are thrilled to finally be getting our exciting new video gaming cafe installed and hope it will be a refreshing addition to Dereham high street, for families and gamers of all ages.”

Breckland Council, who owns the building, will give Level Up a grant for the first six months to get the project off the ground as part of an initiative to support the towns it oversees.

Mark Robinson, the council’s executive member for community, leisure and culture, said: “We saw a unique opportunity to power-up the high street by offering a grant contribution to a new independent business to help them remain viable while they build up their customer base during the early days.

“It is great news for local gamers, but it is important to us that the deal also benefits the wider community too.

“That’s why the cafe will also become a community hub, offering something for everybody, regardless of whether they know their Super Mario from their Lara Croft.”