Kate ScotterMore than �20,000 has been raised for Voluntary Norfolk during its year as the civic charity.Kate Scotter

More than �20,000 has been raised for Voluntary Norfolk during its year as the civic charity.

Eve Collishaw and Tim O'Riordan, the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, have helped raise the money through a number events during their terms in office and it will go to the Norwich Volunteer Fund, a fund that has been specifically set up to assist volunteers within the city.

Voluntary Norfolk was chosen as the Civic Charity of the Year to help promote the Pottergate-based organisation and help many charities at once.

Ms Collishaw said: 'To have raised more than �22,000 for the Norwich Volunteer Fund is a remarkable figure given the gloom of the recession and the fact that Voluntary Norfolk is not an obvious 'front line' charity with what estate agents call obvious 'kerb appeal'.

'It is thanks to the combined efforts of Voluntary Norfolk's staff, trustees, volunteers and members of public that we have managed to raise this money.'

Voluntary Norfolk provides developmental support to other groups as well as a volunteer brokerage service for other charities.

Last year was an extra special year for the organisation not only because it was the civic charity but also it celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Fundraising events have included a quiz at St Andrew's Hall and a Chinese New Year dinner at the Riverbank restaurant at Riverside in Norwich which raised �8,000.

The money will be used to create a volunteering community, set up a long service award, run new courses for volunteers including first aid and an introduction to sign language and to promote volunteering within the city.

It is also hoped to provide practical help for city-based volunteers.

Brian Horner, chief executive of Voluntary Norfolk, said: 'This year has been fantastic and huge thanks must go to the Lord Mayor and Sheriff.

'Their support and encouragement has been something we have really, really appreciated.'

**For more information about Voluntary Norfolk, go to www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk

**Are you doing something amazing for charity? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk