John Lewis in Norwich announces their charities of the year

Staff from a Norwich store are gearing up to start fundraising activities after announcing their charities of the year.

John Lewis on All Saints Green has chosen the Norwich based charities SeVa and St Martins Housing Trust as their charities of the year.

To support longer term projects in the local community, John Lewis will also be backing the charities for an extended period of two years.

Managing director Robert Hallam, pictured, said: 'The charity of the year partnership is always a central part of branch life at John Lewis. We hope we will be able to make a real difference to the community in which we live and work.'

Partners at John Lewis Norwich will take part various fundraising initiatives to raise money and awareness for both charities, which help survivors of sexual and domestic violence as well as providing emergency accommodation for local homeless people.

Pauline Crane from SeVa said: 'SeVa is delighted to be chosen by John Lewis as one of the local charities they will be supporting over the forthcoming two years.

'All of the staff and volunteers at SeVA are committed to supporting and empowering survivors of sexual and domestic abuse through the counselling and support services which we offer.

'As a relatively small local charity, we feel both privileged and encouraged to be supported by such a large organisation from the local business community, especially in this difficult climate of fundraising for voluntary organisations.'