Children in care will have presents to open on Christmas morning thanks to the generosity of a Norwich golf club.

More than 50 presents of every shape and size were handed over by Royal Norwich Golf Club members earlier this week to make sure that looked-after children in Norwich have a Christmas.

They will be distributed among the 22 Norwich teenagers living in children's homes, with the rest handed out to young adults who are taking their first steps into independent living.

Without the donations, some of the children could have been left without a present to open on Christmas day.

Club captain Gordon Cartwright said the collection had been made at a Santa-themed golf day, where the entry fee was a present for a teenager.

However, more than 30 extra presents were also donated for younger children, which have already been delivered to the Salvation Army.

Mr Cartwright said: 'We have been really overwhelmed by the members' generosity: it's fantastic.

'We will make this an annual thing now, and I hope that we can get other golf clubs in Norwich involved too.'

Rose Smith, 18, is one of those who will benefit from the donations.

She recently moved out of foster care and into a shared house north of Norwich.

She said: 'It's really nice to think that they are gifts from people we don't even know, but they are still thinking of us.'

Alison Thomas, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services, said the donation from the club was 'very special'.

'This time of year can provide a lot of reminders for children of their families.

'It's wonderful that the members have been so generous.'

Lee Napper, residential coordination manager for Norfolk County Council said: 'It's fantastic that the golf club have done this for us.

'Christmas can be stressful for children in care, but this shows people are thinking of them.'