Norwich's Theatre Royal has backed the EDP's appeal to raise vital funds which will help flood-hit communities to recover.

Generous audiences dropped more than £1,500 into donation buckets after three performances of the pantomime Cinderella this week, with chief executive Peter Wilson hopeful that the press night performance tonight could see the total doubled.

He said the theatre had been moved to act after several staff members were affected by the floods themselves. One, Amelia Mills, has written a blog about her house being flooded on the theatre's website.

Mr Wilson said: 'There are many good causes at this time of year, but none closer to home. We know people who have been affected by the floods, including Amelia, who works in my office.

'It's terrific to be able to do this, and I admire the way that the EDP is able to pick these things up and run with them.'

Mr Wilson praised the way in which the wider community had rallied to swell the coffers of the appeal.

'We are aiming for between £2,500 and £3,000, which is fantastic. It's a real marker of how generous Norfolk audiences are.