A charitable fund distributed more than £4m to organisations and charities across Norfolk last year.

Norfolk Community Foundation (NCF) gave grants to nearly 900 organisations in 2012, its annual report has shown.

The NCF identifies areas that need support and works with donors to help give out much-needed grants to small charities.

Foundation chief executive Graham Tuttle said: 'Last year was the largest amount of money we have ever given away and I'm pleased to say that it looks like by the end of December we will have given away £4m to between 600 and 700 organisations this year.

'As an organisation, our whole reason for being is to support small charity groups across Norfolk.

'Being able to give £4.1m to nearly 900 groups is fantastic. I am really pleased we have been able to support so many and make a difference.

'Donors tell us what they would like to support, be it groups in West Norfolk, or young people, or adults, and then we go out and find suitable groups.

'We have knowledge of these groups and so we are able to put them in touch with donors.'

As well as giving out the grants the NCF puts donors in touch with the charities they are interested in working with to help support them in the future.

The foundation has teamed up with the EDP to launch the Surviving Winter campaign, which helps the elderly with their fuel payments through the coldest part of the year.

Last year's campaign managed to raise more than £150,000 and this year's campaign, which started in October, is well under way.

Mr Tuttle said: 'Surviving Winter is one of our largest campaigns and we are able to help people across the whole of Norfolk.

'It shows that we are able to raise lots of money from small donations and people are really willing to support it.

'Last year we also worked with the High Sheriff of Norfolk Henry Cator during his time in office on the Nourishing Norfolk Together fund, which raised over £80,000 to help disadvantaged young people.'