A west Norfolk crematorium will present a cheque for £5000 to Big C cancer charity thanks to a scheme that recycles medical implants after cremation.

The charitable scheme, operated by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) of which Mintlyn Crematorium is a member, asks scheme members twice a year to nominate local charities that help to support people to cope with the death of loved ones, to receive a donation.

Mintlyn at Bawsey, near King's Lynn, has been part of the scheme since 2011, and has donated £67,000 to local charities. This year, staff at Mintlyn Crematorium have chosen to support the fundraising work of Big C.

Big C is a Norfolk cancer charity founded in 1980 to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney with centres in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and Norwich.

Tonia King of Big C said: 'Donations such as this help ensure Big C can continue to support local people affected by cancer, whether they be the patient, carer, family or friend.

'This may be in the form of funding ground-breaking cancer research, cutting-edge equipment in our local hospitals, emotional support in our support and information centres or by educating younger generations in cancer prevention - all of which happens right here in Norfolk.'

Kathy Mellish, the council's cabinet member for facilities, said: 'We all know the gruelling effect that being treated for cancer can have, so I'm very pleased our donation will help Big C support those affected in lots of ways.'

Mintlyn Crematorium has previously supported EACH, Scotty's Little Soldiers, SANDS (Stillborn and Neonatal Death Society), Friends in Bereavement, Nelson's Journey, the Norfolk Hospice, SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide), MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association), and Theresa's Tiny Treasures.