Two children charities in Norwich and Gorleston are celebrating after sharing a £97,000 funding boost thanks to BBC Children in Need.

In its first funding round of 2017, BBC Children in Need has awarded Norwich-based The Hamlet has a three-year grant of £70,102 to provide play and social activities for profoundly disabled children and young people in the area.

Through the programme of child-focussed activities the project aims to support the children and young people to develop friendships whilst increasing their communication skills and raising their well-being.

In Gorleston Shine East Norfolk has been awarded a two-year grant of £27,778 to provide outings and trips for disabled children and young people.

Through the day trips and outings, Shine East Norfolk offers children and young people the chance to enjoy fun and engaging activities that encourage play, learning and go on to raise the children and young people's confidence and self-esteem.

Belinda Crayston, CEO at Shine East Norfolk, said: 'We are so grateful to BBC Children in Need for this funding.

'Providing disabled children and young people the opportunity to enjoy everyday outings and trips really does go on to impact their lives.

Simply offering young people the opportunity to have fun and play with friends makes an enormous difference. Thank you.'

Melinda Connelly, BBC Children in Need Regional Head of the Central Region, said: 'We are delighted to be announcing the first allocation of funding for 2017. All of the projects we fund work to make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people, and these recently awarded projects really will go on to change young lives in the area. '

BBC Children in Need awards grants aseven points during the year and funds two types of grants, both of which are open to new or existing applicants. A Main Grants Programme is for grants over £10,000 per year to support projects for up to three years. Meanwhile, a Small Grants Programme includes grants up to and including £10,000, and has been refreshed to support projects for up to three years. Projects working children and young people facing any kind of disadvantage can find out more on how to apply for funding at bbc.co.uk/pudsey/grants