Eager customers in Cromer proved so generous with their gifts for charity that Santa needed help to collect his overflowing suitcase of donated goodies.

The town's Co-operative Travel, on High Street, has been hosting Santa's Suitcase for the past seven years in aid of a range of good causes, but this year's appeal was the best ever, according to manager Sam Antoniades-Cork.

The branch had not intended running the appeal this year but so many customers dropped in to ask about it that they decided to do so at the 11th hour, she said.

Within a week the suitcase had been filled, but donations poured in for a further seven days.

Donors included one couple who spent �100 at Argos on toys for the cause every year, and elderly people who enjoyed collecting and attractively packaging toiletries to add.

For the third year running Santa distributed his suitcase contents to north Norfolk-based Break which supports vulnerable children and adults.

Break spokesman Liz Richards said: Break spokesman Liz Richards said: 'It's just so kind of them. The gifts and toys this year are absolutely wonderful. Our young people that we care for are going to be overjoyed with them.'