A kind-hearted group turned the sad closure of their casting club into a positive step by donating their five-figure balance to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Anglia Sportscast, based in Bircham Newton, has grown hugely since it was formed by two friends in 1988, to about 70 members during its peak.

Club Chairman David Vicary, 67, was a long-serving member of Anglia Sportscast.

He said: 'We have always raised money for the Air Ambulance, we have previously given them cheqyes for £2,500 and about £1,100 with casting events, open days and collections.

'We always agreed that when anything happened to the club the money would go to them.

'One of the reasons is that they don't take too much of the money, donations go on what it should go to.'

When Anglia Sportscast closed, some members stayed on to the renamed Norfolk Casting Club, but the Sportcast's gift of £10,233.99 is a a legacy very much appreciated by the charity.

Mr Vicary, along with treasurer, Malcolm Green and Secretary, Melanie Vicary visited the EAAA Norwich base to present the cheque to the charity.

East Anglian Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, Klara Mears, said: 'We are so sad to hear that Anglia Sportscast has made the difficult decision to close down.

'However we are delighted that they have chosen EAAA as the charity they would like to donate the remainder of their funds to.'

'We had a brilliant time meeting them on their visit to the hangar and the fantastic £10,000 that they have donated will fund four of our lifesaving missions.

'We would like to say a massive thank you to the members of the group and good luck in the future!'

While Mr Vicary will now be enjoying his retirement, he has fond memories of the years he spent representing his country.

' I cast for England for several years, I've been to America, Italy, France, Germany, all over,' he said.

'There's a lot of pressure on you, but it was a team event.'

For more information on the work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, visit eaaa.org.uk

Is your club donating money to a charity? Email polly.grice@archant.co.uk