A generous former city fishmonger has left nearly �340,000 in his will to be split between the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, cancer charity the Big C, and the Salvation Army.

Herbert Chettleburgh ran a fish shop in St Augustine's Street for more than 20 years and, when his will is settled next week, the three beneficiaries will each receive a windfall of �113,300.

Michael Skedge, Mr Chettleburgh's neighbour in Norwich Road, New Costessey, said the 81-year-old had been 'a character'.

'He was a man who would have been known all across Norwich when his shop was open, but in his latter years he kept himself to himself,' he said.

Mr Chettleburgh inherited the fish shop opened by his father Sidney after his brother Danny retired in the late 1960s, and quickly turned the shop into a success, running it with Violet, his wife of 38 years.

'I remember times when there would be people queuing down St Augustine's and into Sussex Street waiting for him to open up,' said Mr Skedge.

'Like his father, he was a character, but after his wife died he didn't socialise so much.

'In his latter days he was a very private man, but he always had his heart in the right place.'

Mr Skedge said that his friend had confided in him he planned to leave his money to good causes, though not the reasons he chose the three he did.

'The only thing he did discuss was the Salvation Army, who he said had done a lot of good for him during his national service. I'm not sure why he left money to the other two charities – and I never asked.'

He said Mr Chettleburgh would not have wanted recognition for his generosity, adding: 'But he would have been proud to be able to leave them money. That's why I think people should know: something like this shouldn't be allowed to slip by.'

Julie Cave, director of resources at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: 'We are very touched and grateful that Mr Chettleburgh should choose to remember us in this way. Donations from members of the public always go directly towards equipment and services that can make a real difference for our patients.

'They are especially welcome at a time when we are trying so hard to make essential cost savings in our hospitals.'

Ian McBride, core officer at the Salvation Army's Norwich Citadel, said the charity would use the money to fund its work across the city, but that Mr Chettleburgh was not someone known to them.

'The gentleman clearly had an affection for the Salvation Army. He may have had a relation from the war or from previous involvement – perhaps as a recipient of a donation from us.

'We often find people donating and telling us they're paying for a cup of tea that they had in the war – and they end up paying us back time and again.'

A spokesman for Big C said all donations were dealt with confidentially, but added: 'We are obviously delighted when any individual chooses to make a donation – it's the best way to support the work we do.'