A record sum has been donated to good causes by a north Norfolk retailer thanks to the generosity of shoppers and staff.

Holt based C T Baker Group raised a combined total of £20,171.66 during the past 12 months.

The money was presented to the company's charities of the year at its flagship Bakers and Larners store earlier this month.

Bakers and Larners selected Camphill Communities Thornage Hall as its 2016 charity. Representing the East Anglian branch of the worldwide Camphill movement, Thornage Hall provides a residential and working environment for its members with special needs. A cheque for £1,929.41 was presented by company director Duncan Baker to head of finance and estates at Thornage Hall Carly Lawford.

Budgens of Holt was proud to support Friends of Kelling Hospital in 2016 — presenting a cheque for £8,240 to Friends of Kelling Hospital chairman Carolyn Sexton.

Since launching its carrier bag charges in 2008, C T Baker Budgens stores and Bakers and Larners have donated money raised from the sale of their 5p bags to charity. Last year a total of £2,659.10 was raised for The Mardler talking newspaper for the blind.

Also attending the ceremony were Ronald and Freda Manders of the Holt 1960s Club and Holt Friday Club chairman Glenys Singleton - both causes were presented with donations for £500.

The event followed C T Baker Budgens of Aylsham's charity cheque presentation to its 2016 charity of the year, the Aylsham Care Trust (ACT) last month.

At the event, ACT's founder trustee, Rees Coghlan received a cheque for £6,343.15 from C T Baker Group managing director, Michael Baker.

'Yet again, Bakers and Larners of Holt and C T Baker Budgens of Aylsham and Holt have helped raise a significant amount for these local charities,' said Mr Baker.

'It is due to the kindness and generosity of our customers and our staff that C T Baker Group is proud to make its contribution to our local communities.'