Funds will be raised for those in need as a special lamp-lit evening market is held as part of the Christmas lights switch-on.

The monthly farmers market at The Forum will be selling Norfolk-produced food and drink to the thousands of people expected in Norwich for the festive event this Thursday.

Norfolk food producers are also hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for Norwich Food Bank – a charity for Norfolk people who find they do not have enough of the most basic of foodstuffs in times of crisis.

The Forum has given the space for the market free for the evening – and The Norfolk Diet team, who runs the market, have decided to donate the money saved to The Norwich Food Bank. Stall holders will also be able to make their own donations to the charity.

Shoppers will be able to contribute to the fundraising campaign by buying tickets for a Norfolk Diet prize draw.

Norfolk Diet team member Sarah Pettegree, from Bray's Cottage Pork Pies, in north Norfolk, said: 'We are all really looking forward to being part of the city's Christmas light switch-on evening, which always has such a great family atmosphere, and would love to see as many people as possible coming and buying delicious local food and drink and help to raise funds for a wonderful charity by entering the raffle.

'The Food Bank is very close to all our hearts, so we are hoping to be able to give them a significant sum of money at the end of the evening.'

The market will be held on Millennium Plain, outside The Forum, from 3pm to 8pm.