There is no place like gnome and these lucky little creatures get to share theirs with all their friends.

Butcher Ali Dent has been collecting as many of the outdoor ornaments as possible to create an 'old people's gnome' ahead of his open day - when he will sell them all to raise money for The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House.

In just a couple of weeks he has accrued around 70 gnomes, donated by the public and given a fresh coat of paint by Ian and Jill Dewsbury in Tilney St Lawrence and Gerald Tichner of Hilgay.

Mr Dent, whose army of ruddy-faced men stand guard in the front garden of his Hilgay shop, said he plans to host his ideal 'gnome' show in mid-summer and is also calling for knitted versions to add to the collection.

The 47-year-old lives with his wife Margaret, 43, and children Fiona, 16, and James, 19.

About his wife he said: 'She's always used to these mad ideas I come up with. If we get 3,000 turn up that would be funny.

'I think every gnome should have a home,' he added.

If you would like to donate a knitted or ornamental gnome contact Mr Dent on 01366 387686 or visit his shop at Myrtle House, on Stocks Hill.