Kate ScotterA charity which helps ensure Norwich's museums are full of fascinating exhibits has been left �25,000 in the will of a life-long member.Kate Scotter

A charity which helps ensure Norwich's museums are full of fascinating exhibits has been left �25,000 in the will of a life-long member.

Felicite Fenn, who lived in Le Strange Close in Norwich, has bequeathed the money to the Friends of Norwich Museums.

It is believed the generous benefactor, who died on February 28 last year, also left money to 21 other charities in the county.

Leona Levine, honorary treasurer to the Friends of Norwich Museums, said: 'We're absolutely gobsmacked and it has come completely out of the blue for us.

'I'm absolutely ecstatic and it's come at a really good time.'

She said very little was known about the late Mrs Fenn, widow of the late Peter Fenn, but that she was a life-long member of the Friends.

It is believed she was in her seventies and was cremated at Earlham Crematorium. Donations made at her funeral went to The British Lung Foundation.

The Friends of Norwich Museums have not yet decided how to use the money but it is a welcome boost the charity's coffers.

As reported at Tuesday's annual general meeting, the charity has seen a 'challenging' year financially.

The charity, which has more than 1,300 members and is the second oldest museum support group in the country, has seen its incoming resources decrease mainly due to the interest rate from the COIF Charities Deposit Fund dropping from 4pc to 0.5pc.

Richard Gurney, chairman of FNM, said: 'This legacy of �25,000 is wonderfully generous and it was very kind of the late Mrs Fenn. It will be put to very good use.'

The charity helps the city's museums acquire exhibits, invest in displays and fund projects. It has put �25,000 into the refurbishment of Bridewell Museum which is due to reopen next year.

Next year, it will celebrate its 90th anniversary and a sub-committee, FNM90, has been set up to organise a year of celebration.

Plans include a large tea party at Strangers' Hall and an event to celebrate the reopening of the Bridewell Museum.

Did you know Mrs Fenn and are able to tell the Evening News more about her kind donation? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk