SPROUGHTON: Children have enjoyed a Christmas party which they thought may never happen – thanks to the generosity of Evening Star readers!

The Dame Vera Lynn Trust centre at Sproughton, which supports children who suffer from Cerebral Palsy, held its Christmas party on Saturday.

The event was able to go-ahead after Star readers gave more than �3,500 in donations to the centre following a break-in in which �137 was stolen from the venue’s Christmas fund.

After a troubled year beleaguered with financial problems, the theft had threatened to put the festivities in jeopardy.

But thanks to the spirit and kindness of Star readers, the party went ahead and was deemed a huge success.

Sara Baxter, regional fundraiser for the centre, said: “We had 30 children and their parents turn up for the party and it was a great day.

“Father Christmas came along and handed out presents to the children who were thrilled to bits to see him.

“Everyone then enjoyed a meal laid on by local chef Jerry Bird from Woodwards in Needham Market, which topped off the day.”

Ms Baxter said that everyone at the centre was indebted to the generosity of those who made donations.

She added: “We received a tremendous amount of support following the break-in, by people wanting to help now and in the future and this has highlighted the school and our service.

“People have been really generous in wanting to help to support the school and we really appreciate it.”

The additional money pledged by people will pay for school trips and extras during the coming term.

The charity has already been able to fit a new alarm at its premises in Burstall Lane and replace a camera stolen during the break-in.

n Staff from the centre will be holding a collection in the Tower Ramparts shopping centre in Ipswich on Thursday and are looking for volunteers to help out.

Anyone interested can contact Sara Baxter on 01473 652880.

n Are you holding a special Christmas party for somebody and do you want to tell us about it? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or you can e-mail eveningstarletters@evening star.co.uk