Norwich-based charity chiefs are no mugs - after getting a famous ceramic artist to leave her mark on their 50th birthday celebrations.

Eastern Daily Press: From left to right: Phil and Ruth Thompson, the first two people to purchase a mug, are joined by Jennifer Dwyer, head of retail at Jarrolds, and Ellie Edge, fundraising officer at Break. Picture: Mark Ivan BenfieldFrom left to right: Phil and Ruth Thompson, the first two people to purchase a mug, are joined by Jennifer Dwyer, head of retail at Jarrolds, and Ellie Edge, fundraising officer at Break. Picture: Mark Ivan Benfield (Image: Mark Ivan Benfield)

Emma Bridgewater has designed a limited edition mug, emblazoned with a colourful hare motif, to mark Break's half century

Break has been helping children, young people and families in the region since 1968 and it is hoped proceeds from the commemorative mug's sale will help the charity to continue supporting those in need.

The design was inspired by next year's GoGoHares fundraising trail, which is organised by Break.

The trail follows on from successful GoGoGorrilas and GoGoDragons campaigns and 50 hare sculptures will be spread across Norwich next summer.

Michael Rooney, head of commercial services at Break, said the mug symbolised a very special year ahead for the charity.

He said: 'We are delighted and very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Emma Bridgewater on this exclusive design to mark Break's 50th Anniversary.

'2018 is a very special year for us with the GoGoHares sculpture trail arriving on the streets of Norwich and around the county in June.

'We have many events planned to engage both young and old in celebrating this milestone with us and helping us to continue our work with vulnerable children, young people and families.'

The mugs are available from Jarrolds in London Street, the shop at the Forum and Break charity shops throughout East Anglia. A full list and map of Break charity shops across East Anglia can be found at www.break-charity.org/retail.

The mugs are being sold in a commemorative money box, designed to encourage further fundraising, and are priced at £21.99.

All proceeds will go to the charity.

The GoGoHares trail, which has been organised in partnership with Wild in Art, is due to go live on June 24 and will run, or hop, until September 8.

Sally Ann-Wilkinson, director of Wild in Art, said: 'We hope that every hare will strike a golden chord with the communities of Norwich, and Norfolk, sponsors and artists to create a very special event to celebrate the charity's important and invaluable contribution to the region during the last half century.'