A children's charity has turned its Christmas messages into a giant paper chain after receiving more than �30,000 from a mailing campaign.

East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which has a centre at Quidenham, near Attleborough, mailed people across the region and received more than 1,500 responses.

Officials from the charity said they were 'overwhelmed' by the donations in excess of �30,000 and messages of support to the children, teenagers, parents and staff. And the messages have been turned into paper chains to decorate EACH's three hospices.

Richard Carman, EACH marketing co-ordinator, said: 'We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by both existing and new supporters, especially in a tough financial climate.

'We have also been moved by the inspirational and caring comments which have been returned with the donations. 'It's heartwarming to think that despite people's hectic lifestyles and the expense they go to for their own Christmas celebrations, they still take the time to think of others and make donations to help local life-threatened children and their families.'

EACH needs to raise �4m a year to care for children with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex and support their families.

For more information, visit www.each.org.uk or call 01953 715559.