More than �1,500 has been raised for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) through a show of strength by a troop of local cub scouts and guides.

The 43rd Saxlingham Nethergate Cub Scout and Guide Group pulled a light aircraft called a Robin, loaned by Premier Flight Training, 16 lengths of 600 metres at Norwich International Airport to raise money for the charity.

The youngsters pulled a weight of 700kg, plus pilot, for a full two hours and raised a grand total of �1,504.02, which they have now presented to the EAAA.

There were 25 eight to 11-year-olds who took part to help raise the funds, with Rebecca Innes the top fundraiser with �170.

Peter Mahoney, from Stoke Holy Cross, the group Akela, and also airflight company KLM UK's engineering finance director, said: 'It was an astonishing amount of money that was raised, a fantastic effort. Hannah Clay, fundraiser from EAAA, said she was astonished by the amount of money raised by the pack. Hannah talked to the cubs about the helicopters and EAAA and showed them all around the aircraft.'

Mr Mahoney added: 'They really had to put their back into it. It was seriously quite hard, and they were absolutely exhausted by the end but it was quite exciting for them to do it at the airport.'