A LATE-CHRISTMAS present of nearly �5,000 is to be given to local charities thanks to the Santa's sleigh collections around the Dereham area.Members of the Dereham and District Round Table visited different areas of the town and surrounding villages in the run up to the festive season and a total of �4,980 was donated.

A LATE-CHRISTMAS present of nearly �5,000 is to be given to local charities thanks to the Santa's sleigh collections around the Dereham area.

Members of the Dereham and District Round Table visited different areas of the town and surrounding villages in the run up to the festive season and a total of �4,980 was donated.

Round Table chairman David Westgate said: 'We were amazed at the warm reception we received as we toured round with the sleigh, and the depth of generosity shown by local people. As a result of the kind donations we received last year we have been able to help a number of local organisations, and we look forward to helping others over the coming months.'

Last year the Round Table were able to provide grants and donations to local and regional charities including the Antiquarian Society, Dereham Royal British Legion, JDT Music, Mattishall First Responders, Norfolk Air Ambulance, Dereham Wellspring Family Centre, Dereham CHIPS Activity week, Anthony Nolan Trust and Dereham Day Services. Any charities wanting help can e-mail chairman@dereham

roundtable.org.uk.

There are currently about 20 Round Table members in the Dereham area and they are looking for new members. It is open to men aged between 18 and 45 and there is a varied programme of activities and events throughout the year, from karting to brewery tours, and camping trips to curry nights.

Websites: www.derehamround

table.org.uk or www.roundtable.

co.uk.