A Norwich charity is getting a helping hand from the high-octane Irish dance spectacular Spirit of the Dance.

Audiences heading to the near-sell-out show at Norwich Theatre Royal next month will be asked to dig deep and donate to The Hamlet Centre, based in Ella Road.

Volunteers from the charity will be collecting after each performance to boost their funds and continue their work helping adults and children with multiple disabilities and their carers.

John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'The work of the Hamlet Centre has left an enviable legacy of vital help and support to both the disabled and their families – and the centre is very keen to build on that work even more.

'We will be asking Spirit of the Dance audiences to dig deep and donate some money to ensure their vital and valuable support continues.'

The charity was set up in 1972 as a toy library service and run by disabled couple Jack and Margaret Wymer, who believed that people with disabilities should be able to live independently.

The centre supports up to 1000 families a year with a dedicated staff team of 35 backed up by around 100 volunteers.

Meanwhile, only a handful of tickets are still available for the international smash-hit show, which has already been seen by more than 25m people in 15 different countries.

The cast also includes top tap-dancer Lee Meadows, who is a firm favourite with the audience at the Norwich Theatre Royal panto having starred in the festive spectacular for the last four years.

Spirit Of The Dance runs from June 1-4 at 7.30pm, and Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, For more information call box-office 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.

Find out more about The Hamlet Centre at www.hamletcentre.org.uk.

Are you raising money for charity, email reporter David Bale at david.bale2@archant.co.uk.