King's Lynn Town Guides have enjoyed a record year, raising £6,000 for heritage organisations around the town.

The guides' annual donations ceremony will take place at Lynn Town Hall on Wednesday, February 21, in the presence of West Norfolk Mayor Carol Bower.

The group says 2017 was the most successful year for visitor numbers for over 15 years, with attendances up by 20pc against the previous year. Bob Price, chair of the town guides, said: 'This was our 40th anniversary and we have had record numbers – over 2,000 people joined one of our walks. This means that we have been able to increase the amount of money donated and to increase the number of organisations we can support. The guides will be giving away £6,000 this year, an increase of 50pc on the previous year, to eight local organizations.' Beneficiaries are Hampton Court, the Worfolk Boat Trust, True's Yard, Marriott's Warehouse Trust, King's Lynn Preservation Trust, Lynn Minster, All Saints Church and the Friends of St Nicholas Chapel.

Nick Balaam, chair of King's Lynn Preservation Trust said: 'The Preservation Trust is very grateful for the continuing support of the Town Guides. The donation will be put to good use in preserving important elements of our historic environment.

'We are always looking for new restoration projects and we have an active programme to upgrade the properties that we manage so that they are secure for the 21st Century.'

Tim Clayton of the Worfolk Boat Trust said the money would go towards putting sails on the Baden Powell so that by Easter the boat will be ready to sail on the River Ouse to begin its summer sailing programme.