A veterans charity is stepping up its work across Norfolk thanks to community support from events such as the summer proms concert at Blickling Hall.

Eastern Daily Press: Blickling Proms charity cash. General, the Lord Dannatt, president of Veterans Norfolk receives the cheque from Lisa Ward of Revival Productions, along with Group Captain Stewart Blackburn, chairman of Veterans Norfolk, outside Blickling Hall.Blickling Proms charity cash. General, the Lord Dannatt, president of Veterans Norfolk receives the cheque from Lisa Ward of Revival Productions, along with Group Captain Stewart Blackburn, chairman of Veterans Norfolk, outside Blickling Hall. (Image: Archant)

Veterans Norfolk is an umbrella organisation bringing together all the county's Service charities and liaises with councils to enhance the welfare and well-being of the armed forces and veteran community.

It is the nominated charity of the Last Night of the Blickling Proms event. And £1,050.00 raised last year has been handed to Veterans Norfolk president General the Lord Dannatt.

The cause was set up to simplify things by offering a single point of contact to help put RAF, Army and Navy veterans and their families needing help, in touch with the right charity quickly and efficiently.

It also works to improve liaison between the charities.

Chairman Group Captain Stewart Blackburn said funds raised last year helped it achieve several objectives.

They included: developing a website to boost communication between member organisations, enabling veterans to access the information they need, at the touch of a button; and organising a number of mental-health workshops aimed at providing improved support for our veterans.

The target, by the end of 2015, was to have 100 qualified mental health first-aiders working within the Armed Forces and member charities, he added.

The Veterans Norfolk office is currently situated at the Army Reserve Centre in Norwich on Aylsham Road, but aims to move to a permanent premises in Norwich in the near year.

Lisa Ward of proms promoters Revival Productions said the charity did 'fantastic work and offer very real support to veterans who need assistance.'

This year's event, which is again supporting Veterans Norfolk, is on Saturday August 8.

It is following a 1940s theme and commemorating 75 years since Blickling was handed to the National Trust.

There will be music from the era by the Sinfonia Viva as well as the traditional Last Night anthems, an appearance by the Norfolk Belles WI choir and Spitfire flying display.

The event is sponsored by Stoves, in partnership with the EDP. Tickets (£33 in advance or £36 on the night) are available online at www.revival-productions.co.uk or the box office on 01263 223500. Group discounts are available.