The Irish Society of East Anglia has presented a cheque for more than �3,000 to the Childhood First charity.

Marie Horvath, president of the society, selected Childhood First – which offers specialist therapeutic care and treatment to children suffering severe emotional and behavioural disturbance as the result of early life trauma – as her chosen charity.

She presented a cheque for �3,050 to the charity's director, Jeanette Langfeld, and assistant director, Donal Hannon, who both work in Childhood First facilities in Norfolk, pictured.

Marie said: 'The money was raised by the great generosity of many people who contributed to the raffles and auctions at our social and cultural events.'

The Irish Society was founded in Norwich in 1891, aiming to maintain social and cultural contacts with Celtic roots.

As well as enjoying the fun and festive side of the society, with events held at venues such as St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich and Dunston Hall Hotel, much effort is also put into fundraising for predominately local good causes.

Marie Horvath has now handed over the chain of office to Sheila McDougall, who will be president for 2012.

For more information about the society, visit www.irishsocietyofeastanglia.co.uk