A charity founded in Walsingham which helps Colombian street children has received a �1,200 donation.

The money was raised at a ball at the Mercure Norwich Hotel in March, organised by friends Val Thorne and Lisa-Marie Platford.

Mrs Thorne, from Hellesdon, attended the charity's social evening in Walsingham earlier this month to hand over a cheque.

The evening was held to raise the profile of the charity in the area and remind people of its Walsingham connections.

Let the Children Live! was founded in Walsingham in 1992 by Father Peter Walters, who was at that time assistant administrator at the village's Anglican Shrine.

He started the charity after visiting Medellin, Colombia's second largest city, on a holiday in the early 1980s.

Fr Walters learned of the horrendous problems children in Medellin endured with many hooked on drugs at an early age and children as young as eight forced into prostitution and other crimes.

Let the Children Live! has a large day centre in Medellin and a residential home.

About 150 children use the facilities each day and receive food, education, medical and dental care, social interaction and psychological support.

Mrs Thorne has confirmed that she will be holding another ball for Let the Children Live! at Mercure Norwich Hotel on March 23 next year. There will be a four-course dinner and black-tie dress code.

There will be live music from Glen Cooper and a disco. Price to be confirmed. For more information and to book, call 01603 412520 or 07766 674004 or e mail valthorne@talktalk.net.

For more on Let the Children Live! go to http://letthechildrenlive.org or visit the charity's shop on High Street, Little Walsingham.