The departing manager of a restaurant has said a 'big thank you' to the people of Lowestoft after they raised over £50,000 with his support.

Keith Fletcher, 29, bid an emotional farewell to his staff and friends at The Spring Tide, on Kirkley Rise, as he moves back to the Apple Cart pub in Peterborough.

During his time in the town, Mr Fletcher and his team have worked closely with local charities, hosted a number of fund-raising events and even completed challenging expeditions to raise money for the people who need it most.

And since he has been at the venue, which has been open for about four years, he has helped the community raise a staggering £53,000.

Mr Fletcher, who worked for Wetherspoons before joining the Marston's pub chain, completed his last shift on Friday, March 18 and will now return to Peterborough to be with his fiancé Tamsin – after commuting to Lowestoft each week.

'My whole time here has been a highlight – the people of Lowestoft have really pushed me and developed me to be the manager that I am today,' Mr Fletcher said.

'It means a lot to me to help the community because even though a lot of people see us as a restaurant, it doesn't mean we can't help the community.

'To know that you are changing people's lives, and the reward you get from it, is amazing.

'I am not after recognition, I don't do it to look good, I do it because I genuinely believe we can make a difference.'

Mr Fletcher and colleague Marcus Knights took part in the Three Peaks Challenge last year.

They climbed the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours for charity and raised £536 for Ken Stevens – a man who is bravely fighting HyperPara Thyroid Disease (PTD).

This year, the team have been raising money for Oliver's Footsteps Fund and completed a skydive on Saturday, March 19 to raise money for the cause.

'We have helped so many different people with raffle prizes and coffee mornings – we are just giving back to the community,' Mr Fletcher added.

'There are so many wonderful people in Lowestoft and I want to say a big thank you to them.

'Anybody can do what I do and the feeling that you get from helping people, you just can't buy.

'I want to say a massive thank you to Elaine and Gary High, as what they give to the local community is amazing.

'They took a tragedy and they have turned that into something so good, by helping all the people around them and letting the memory of Taylor live on – you can't get better than that.'

Mr Fletcher will be replaced by former manager Lynden Williams, who will be returning to The Spring Tide to take the business forward.

He has already received a number of farewell cards and presents from customers which he says 'is a really nice feeling.'

To contact Mr Fletcher, or to wish him well, email: applecart.peterborough@marstons.co.uk

Do you know someone who has made a difference in the community? Email: joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk