More than £15,000 was raised for good causes at Euros 2020 screenings at the Railway Tavern in Dereham.

And the lion's share - just under £13,000 - is going to fund selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery and radiotherapy rehabilitation for Mattishall four-year-old Logan Gostling.

Paul Sandford, landlord, said he was thrilled with the fundraising result.

He said: "Coming from a few football games it's an amazing achievement and shows how generous the clientele are.

Dereham Times: Early arrivals at the Southgate Arms bar at the Dereham Railway TavernEarly arrivals at the Southgate Arms bar at the Dereham Railway Tavern (Image: Paul Sandford)

Dereham Times: England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham. Fans celebrate the team going through to the finals.England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham. Fans celebrate the team going through to the finals. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"The crowds have been amazing, they've been so well behaved."

The remainder of the funds raised at the Railway - whose screenings were sponsored by Doors Plus Dereham - are going to support children's charities Nelson's Journey and Scotty's Little Soldiers.

The Euros was a tournament like no other, coming as it did a year late and in the midst of the most serious pandemic in a century.

Pubs and other venues were forced to think creatively about how they could accommodate as many fans as possible while sticking to Covid-safe guidelines, with many opting for marquees and outdoor seating areas.

Communities in Dereham and surrounding towns and villages came together to cheer on the English squad as they gathered momentum towards the final and achieved their best result in decades.

The red cross of the flag of England festooned cars, shops and homes, and supporters dressed up to show their colours for each game.

Among those getting into the spirit of the occasion were residents and staff at Woodspring House care home in Bridge Street, who kitted out in red-and-white hats and scarves to cheer on Gareth Southgate's team.

Dereham Times: From left, John White, Marrisa Faima, Jean Pilch and Joan Horton of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match.From left, John White, Marrisa Faima, Jean Pilch and Joan Horton of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match. (Image: Supplied by Woodspring House)

Dereham Times: Tricia Dalby and Samantha Subebe of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match.Tricia Dalby and Samantha Subebe of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match. (Image: Supplied by Woodspring House)


Mr Sandford said that even though England did not win the final, the team did their country proud and the tournament was an overwhelming success.

He said: "Italy may have lifted the trophy but our team lifted the whole nation. The team gave their whole country a lift, and it's done the economy, especially for hospitality, a world of good."

Mr Sandford said they were already looking forward to next year's World Cup in Qatar, which is now fewer than 500 days away.

He said: "We've got a bright future ahead of us with all the young lads. It might be coming home but not quite yet."

Dereham Times: Front, from left, Emma Walpole and Heather Davies of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match.Front, from left, Emma Walpole and Heather Davies of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match. (Image: Supplied by Woodspring House)

Dereham Times: Jean Pilch of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match.Jean Pilch of Woodspring House care home in Fakenham kitted out for the England v Denmark match. (Image: Supplied by Woodspring House)

Dereham Times: Stewart Pollock all ready for the big game at the Railway Tavern in DerehamStewart Pollock all ready for the big game at the Railway Tavern in Dereham (Image: Railway Tavern)

Dereham Times: England fans across Norfolk gather to watch the Three Lions' Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday evening.England fans across Norfolk gather to watch the Three Lions' Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday evening. (Image: Archant)

Dereham Times: England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham. Fans celebrate the team going through to the finals.England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham. Fans celebrate the team going through to the finals. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Dereham Times: England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham - fans celebrate England's equaliser.England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham - fans celebrate England's equaliser. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Dereham Times: England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham.England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Dereham Times: England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham.England v Denmark at The Railway Tavern in Dereham. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Dereham Times: Celebrations at The Railway Tavern in DerehamCelebrations at The Railway Tavern in Dereham (Image: ARCHANT)

Dereham Times: Excitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 finalExcitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 final (Image: ARCHANT)

Dereham Times: Excitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 finalExcitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 final (Image: ARCHANT)

Dereham Times: Excitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 finalExcitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 final (Image: ARCHANT)

Dereham Times: Excitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 finalExcitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 final (Image: ARCHANT)

Dereham Times: The Railway Tavern landlord, Paul Sandford, ahead of the Euro 2020 finalThe Railway Tavern landlord, Paul Sandford, ahead of the Euro 2020 final (Image: ARCHANT)

Dereham Times: Excitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 finalExcitement at The Railway Tavern in Dereham ahead of the Euro 2020 final (Image: ARCHANT)