A Norfolk Community Foundation initiative to help voluntary groups and charities across the county has raised more than �500,000 since it was launched five years ago.

The Norfolk 100 initiative was launched by the Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, to encourage a community of donors able to give �1,000 a year each for a three-year period.

The idea was two-fold, that 50pc of this money was to be made available for immediate grant giving, with the other half building an endowment fund of which only the interest is spent and the rest is building a legacy to safeguard support to groups across the county into the future.

Over the past five years hundreds of grants have been given to groups in need, ranging from a few hundred pounds, to a maximum of �5,000 and the figure raised to date through the scheme has now pushed through the �500,000 barrier.

Peter Colby, who has led the N100 since its launch, said: 'I'm delighted that we have reached this figure – it's a fantastic achievement and a huge vote of thanks is due to all those people who have given the initiative their support.

'The challenge continues and in this current environment it's more important than ever that we continue to attract new members as others come to the end of their three-year term. We want to make sure the initiative continues to support charities well into the future and to enable the Foundation to do that, we are always on the lookout for new members.'

Speaking about the success of the Norfolk 100, Bishop Graham said: 'Norfolk 100 has been a spectacular success. It shows how generous and community minded so many people are in Norfolk. A host of local groups and community organisations in our county have used the funding from the Norfolk 100 extremely well. The need grows as sources of funding for small local charities and community groups become scarcer. The call for new members of the Norfolk 100 is as strong as ever. It's a great group of open-hearted people to join.' Norfolk Community Foundation is part of a worldwide charitable network and aims to build a stronger community in Norfolk by making it easier to give to address the real needs in our communities.

To find out more about how the Norfolk 100 helps community groups in Norfolk, or to explore the possibility of becoming a member, call the Norfolk Community Foundation on 01603 623958, email grahamtuttle@norfolkfoundation.com or visit www.norfolkfoundation.com