More than a year's worth of fundraising at the Sainsbury's supermarket in Thorpe St Andrew has culminated in a presentation to the appeal for the Hamlet Centre's new children's centre.

Staff from the Sainsbury's store were given a look inside the St Raphael Club, which is undergoing renovation at the top of Grapes Hill in Norwich so it can become a centre for disabled children.

A cheque for �3,700, raised by Sainsbury's staff and customers at the Pound Lane store will go directly to fund the redevelopment of the new �1.3m children's centre.

The money was raised by the store by holding cake bake sales, tombolas, non-uniform days, a table top sale and many other activities.

Michael Rooney, chief executive of The Hamlet Centre, said: 'There are a number of areas the money could specifically help.

'Examples are equipping our soft play room, or making contributions towards specific care equipment like changing beds or hoists.'

The Hamlet Centre's original target to redevelop and equip the building was �1.3m, estimating that the first two phases – which will be opening in September – would cost about �1m.

To date they have around �840,000 raised, and still need people's support.

Linda Andrews, from the Pound Lane store, said: 'This marks the formal end of our annual charity partnership with The Hamlet Centre and we would like to thank our customers and colleagues for their generosity over the year.

'However, one way in which people can still support The Hamlet Centre is by purchasing a gift for the new building.'

This can be done by accessing www.hamletcentre.org.uk and looking for the gift list.

The final phase of the building, including a sensory room, will come later as funds allow.

Mr Rooney added: 'The support we receive from the people of Norwich and Norfolk is marvellous. The Hamlet Centre has been running for 40 years and is steeped in the history of Norwich and Norfolk.

'Our new building means that children and adults with disabilities and their families have a service of which we can all be proud.

'We thank you again for your fantastic support.'

Do you have a story for Local Life? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk