Two charities have benefited from the pantomime fun and frolics of local amateur dramatic group the Ashwren Players.

Ashwren, formed from residents of Ashwellthorpe, Wreningham and Mulbarton, performed their annual pantomime in February.

This year's show was Treasure Island, written and directed by local businessman and South Norfolk councillor Bob McClenning.

Takings raised from raffles held at each performance raised �250, which was matched by takings from ticket sales.

The money has gone towards the East Coast Truckers and Star Throwers charities and was presented at a recent party held by the Ashwren Players.

Val Keel, Ashwren's chairman, paid tribute to the hard work of the East Coast Truckers in arranging their events for children with special needs, recalling similar issues when organising air flights for adults and children with special needs funded by the Peter Keel Memorial Fund.

This was set up following the death of Val's husband in a flying accident 20 years ago, who was then marketing director for Eastern Counties Newspapers.

Val said: 'Whilst there is a lot of hard work involved, the rewards are great and all volunteer pilots took so much pleasure from seeing the excitement generated in their passengers.'

Anthony Perry, of Star Throwers, also explained how the charity, staffed by volunteers and based in Wymondham, provides counselling, emotional support, therapies and advice to support for cancer battlers.