A charity which supports 4,000 carers across Norfolk is set to close its doors because of lack of funding.

King's Lynn-based West Norfolk Carers lost £50,000 in core funding from Norfolk County Council in 2017.

Since then it has survived by fundraising and applying for grants. But chief executive Jane Evans said the group could no longer secure enough money to stay afloat and would be closing down at the end of March.

"We've got 4,000 people on our books and it costs £240,000 a year to deliver services as they are now," she said.

"Over the years we've fundraised and generated our income but it's just got harder and harder.

"It's tough for us, for all the team to accept that the charity will close and leave such a hole in our community. It's heart-breaking."

Nine members of staff will lose their jobs when the group closes down after 30 years of providing support for young and adult carers, including mental health support, and helping those caring for patients after they are discharged from hospital.

Eastern Daily Press: James Bagge walked 1,500 miles to raise funds for West Norfolk Carers after Norfolk County Council cut its funding in 2017James Bagge walked 1,500 miles to raise funds for West Norfolk Carers after Norfolk County Council cut its funding in 2017 (Image: Emily Prince)

James Bagge, former High Sheriff of Norfolk, walked 1,500 miles from his home near Downham Market to the west coast of Spain and raised £60,000 for carers across Norfolk, £2,000 of which went to West Norfolk Carers.

Mr Bagge said: "The sad thing is small organisations like West Norfolk Carers don't have the resources to compete in applying for grants like other organisations do.

"Charitable funders offering grants are looking for organisations who can demonstrate that they are working in alignment with other community groups.

"Bidding for these funds becomes an art-form, and some charities will use professional fundraisers to do the job, allowing the executive team of the organisation to get on with delivering the service.

"Sadly, this was not happening at WNC and the wonderful, well-intentioned and vastly experienced Jane was getting snowed under with trying to keep the organisation funded, therefore unable to keep her head above water."