A long-running Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera society is clearing its coffers rather than its throat - as its winds up after more than 30 years.

The Savoyards have held their final performance at their Sheringham Little Theatre base, and in September will official wind up at the annual meeting.

But the group, which began in 1979 and has staged more than 55 productions, has decided to share out the £8,400 left in its kitty to a range of local good causes, many of them with a musical theme.

Biggest beneficiary was the theatre, which received £2025, which youth outreach manager Bridget Robinson said would be put into a scheme aimed at sparking interest in G and S opera among younger people.

The local high and primary schools each got £1,000 for their music departments.

Operatic societies across the county also benefited including the Great Yarmouth G&S Society, East Norfolk Operatic Society, Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society, North Norfolk Chamber Opera, and CADS Singers. The St Joseph's organ fund, EDP We Care Appeal, Break charity, Musical Keys and East Anglian Children's Hospice also received donations.

DVDs of Australian G&S concerts were also bought for the two schools.

The presentations were made at the theatre, where society members caused a stir by turning up in HMS Pinafore costumes.

Society president Alan Stables said handing out the remaining cash to some good causes was 'the right thing to do'.

And chairman Maurice Foster-Worton was pleased some of it was going to schools to help youngsters with their music.