A King's Lynn-based charity supporting the children of fallen servicemen and women is celebrating a �45,000 boost.

The cheque from Cranwsick Country Foods, in Watton, is the biggest single donation that Scotty's Little Soldiers has received since it was founded by war widow Nikki Scott two years ago.

Her husband Lee 'Scotty' Scott, 26, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in July 2009 and, seeing the effect his death had on their children, Mrs Scott set out to help families in a similar situation.

As well as providing treats and days out, the charity launched its first �105,000 holiday home at Great Yarmouth in July and hopes to fund at least two more 'Scotty Lodges' to provide grieving families with free, much-needed seaside breaks.

'This money will make such a huge difference to the children we are here to help,' said events co-ordinator Debbie Dack.

'This is the biggest donation we have received so far and it means we are well on our way to hopefully opening a second holiday home next year. We plan to go around the UK and we're looking at maybe opening one by the sea in Devon or Blackpool next time.

'We want to say a massive thank you to Cranswick Foods and to Siobhan Barnes who brought us to their attention.'

The cheque was handed to the charity's chief operating officer, Mrs Scott's brother Stuart Robinson, by Cranswick's account director Marcus Hoggarth last weekend.

Mr Hoggarth, a Ginetta GT Supercup driver, made the presentation during the final Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship free practice session at the Snetterton circuit.

The Scotty's Little Soldiers charity ball will be held at Whittlebury Hall near Silverstone in Northamptonshire on October 13. Tickets, costing �55, include a three-course meal and entertainment. Last year's ball, at the Dukes Head Hotel in King's Lynn, raised more than �6,000.

Find out more about the charity by visiting www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk, emailing hello@scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk or follow @CorporalScotty on Twitter.