Sam EmanuelA campaign to raise money for new flats for deaf people living in Norwich has been kickstarted by a fete which gave people a rare glimpse of a historic garden and raised more than �700 for the cause.Sam Emanuel

A campaign to raise money for new flats for deaf people living in Norwich has been kickstarted by a fete which gave people a rare glimpse of a historic garden and raised more than �700 for the cause.

Rotary House for the Deaf in Norwich is set to be expanded with a block of four new two-bedroom flats, which will cost a total of �400,000.

The charity, which is based in King Street, Norwich, organised a special fete in the Bishop's Garden in Bishopgate Norwich, as the first of its fundraising events for the development, to give people a chance to enjoy a rare glimpse of the historic garden while they raised money for a good cause.

The event included plant stalls and cake stalls, and was a big success, despite the thunder-storm which interrupted proceedings.

Andy De'ath, secretary at Rotary House, said: 'It went really well and we managed to get quite a few people along, considering the weather and the fact there were other events in the city that day.

'We were told that events with fewer stalls and so on did well because a lot of people come to look at the garden.'

The event is the first big occasion of many planned to raise money for the flats, which will allow couples, single parents and people with carers to benefit from sheltered housing.

Mr De'ath added: 'We have got lots of events coming up, and we will be involved in the Lord Mayor's procession, as well as having quiz nights and things like that.'

The charity, which has been chosen as Lord Mayor Tom Dylan's civic charity this year, is hoping its new found status will enable it to raise the money needed. It currently has 19 tenants living in 14 single bedsit flats, two one-bedroom flats and three one bedroom houses, ranging in age from early 20s to 60s and with varying degrees of hearing difficulties.

To contact Rotary House about forthcoming events, call manager Angi Goldsmith on 01603 626170.

Are you fundraising to pay for a particular purchase for a charity? Call Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.