A local mother has decided to throw a free New Year's Eve party for children to bring people together over the holiday season.

Hayley Prince, who runs the entertainment company Sweet Brier's Mascots, is hosting an afternoon of partying for children on December 31 at the Rosebery Methodist Church in Rosebery Road in Norwich.

She said she was inspired to host the event after seeing a social media post asking for ideas for things to do with the kids to celebrate the New Year.

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Eastern Daily Press: Ms Prince runs Sweet Brier's Mascots Ms Prince runs Sweet Brier's Mascots (Image: Hayley Prince)

"New Year's Eve has always been about adults, going out and getting drunk - so this year I wanted to make it about the children," she said.

Ms Prince, who has two children aged nine and five, said she is not throwing the bash to make any profit and is funding it all herself with the help of a team of dedicated volunteers chaired by friend Emily Higgins.

"I have seen a lot of sadness in Norwich recently and all I want to do is make people smile," she said. 

There will be two parties across the afternoon, with one aimed at younger children running from 4pm to 6pm and another for older children lasting from 6.30pm until 9pm. 

A tuck shop will be open serving food such as jacket potatoes, paninis and snacks.

Ms Prince added: "I'm really excited and I hope people turn up.

"I've gone to a lot of effort so I just hope people enjoy it."