A long-standing support group for North Walsham's hospital is winding up after 75 years of fundraising.

The reluctant move by the North Walsham War Memorial Hospital’s Friends group comes due to a struggle to recruit volunteers, with the decision taking effect from December 31.

The Friends’ final act will be to make their annual delivery of festive gifts for patients staying on the wards at the hospital over Christmas.

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Friends committee members at the hospital centenary event earlier this yearFriends committee members at the hospital centenary event earlier this year (Image: Richard Baston) The group's remaining £80,000 kitty will be passed to a charitable fund at the Norfolk Community and Health Care Trust, and will be ring-fenced to buy extras at the North Walsham hospital.

Over the years the North Walsham Hospital Friends, formed in 1949, have used public donations to support the hospital with projects including building a training room, refurbishing a day room and buying equipment, staff treats and Christmas presents for patients.

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Friends flashback – former chairman Brian Elliott planting a treeFriends flashback – former chairman Brian Elliott planting a tree (Image: Richard Baston) READ MORE: Coltishall fears more traffic problems due to housing plans

Earlier this year they funded a celebration event marking the hospital’s centenary.

Friends chairman Keith Jarvis said: “The decision to close the Friends has not been taken lightly.

“We have enjoyed supporting a hospital which is held dear in the hearts of the local community which originally raised funds to build it after the First World War.

“But we have found it difficult to recruit new members, so it makes sense to channel it all through the central trust charity pool, while retaining the ability for people to make sure their donations go to North Walsham.”

The move was approved at an extraordinary general meeting of the Friends and is now being notified to the Charity Commission.

From January 1 donations to North Walsham War Memorial Hospital can be made via www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/nchc-charitable-fund