Disadvantaged children in the region will enjoy a day of fun, entertainment and good eating as Lions members take them on a summer trip to remember.

More than 400 children and a few adults from across East Anglia will be taken for lunch at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, where they will be entertained by Razz the Clown and Auntie Pearl, before heading to the Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus for a show and some ice cream.

The day out is the result of dedicated volunteer fundraising by 16 out of the 70 branches of charity Lions Club International found across East Anglia, who work to benefit deprived communities and children in tough circumstances and are part of an international organisation with more than 1.35million members.

One of the men behind the day out, David Woodruff, who works out of the Beccles group, said: 'It is a day out for kids who cannot afford it really. They really enjoy it and I think the adults do too.

'Every year it is very humbling, the kids get totally involved, they smile and laugh and you just get a buzz, I think every lion feels that.

'You do not get a penny, the wages are seeing the acts we do come to fruition.'

Children from Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Southwold, Norwich, Wymondham, Beccles and Bungay will be among the 400 being given a deserved day out, away from often difficult home lives.

Children are selected for the day out by the individual groups in their region, who are in touch with social services, schools and charitable organisations such as Women's Refuge.

A number of the children have learning difficulties, including adults from the Great Yarmouth Gateway Club, who provide social activities for people with learning disabilities.

The region's Lions Clubs fundraise constantly and are a non-govermental organisation. They man a stall selling teddy bears at Vauxhall Holiday Park, pay for improvements to their communities such as shelters and hold events throughout the year.

Mr Woodruff said: 'Anyone can be a Lion, from bankers to road sweepers. If you give your time that is the most valuable thing. It does not cost anything and if you wear that badge, you will get recognised and welcomed the world over.'

For more information about the Lion's clubs, search for www.lions105ea.com or email dg@lions105ea.com