A Norfolk charity is celebrating after reaching a landmark fundraising target of one million pounds.

The Norfolk Zipper Club, which provides support for patients in Norfolk who have had heart surgery at Papworth Hospital, in Cambridgeshire, has been raising funds for the hospital for many years.

Forty club members and friends went to Papworth to present three new pieces of equipment and enjoy a celebratory reception to thank them for their hard work.

The presentation of the three machines, which analyse patients' blood to help determine the time it takes for their blood to clot, was held last week, with one of the club's 1982 founding members Molly Atkinson among the attendees.

Robin Cushing, chairman of the Norfolk Zipper Club said: 'We said we would try and reach the million-pound mark, and we did.

'This was only achieved with the great team spirit we have within the club, the committee and all our helpers who work tirelessly.

'All of our members are indebted to Papworth Hospital in some way.

'We enjoy supporting those who may be apprehensive about undergoing cardiac surgery and also have enormous fun raising funds for the hospital.' The club works closely with Papworth to discuss which piece of lifesaving equipment is most needed by Papworth next and set to work on raising the funds needed.

Stephen Bridge, chief executive of Papworth Hospital, said: 'We are delighted to celebrate this fantastic achievement and are grateful for the support received by both Papworth Hospital and heart surgery patients from Norfolk from members of the Norfolk Zipper Club.'

For more about the charity, go to www.norfolkzipperclub.org.uk

Do you have a story about an amazing charity success? Call reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk