MORE than �2,000 was raised from a family fun-filled charity event in Great Yarmouth's Market Place on Sunday. Helping to Change Someone's Life Today returned to the town for the third time seeing more than 2,000 people enjoy games and activities throughout the day.

MORE than �2,000 was raised from a family fun-filled charity event in Great Yarmouth's Market Place on Sunday.

Helping to Change Someone's Life Today returned to the town for the third time seeing more than 2,000 people enjoy games and activities throughout the day.

The event, in aid of Children in Need and Cancer Research UK, was opened by mayor and mayoress Tony and Sara Smith.

A re-enactment by Viking battle group Warband saw organisers of the event captured with donations helping to pay for a ransom for their release while a local police community support officer got a soaking in the stocks, netting �100 in donations in an hour.

Star Wars and Doctor Who characters proved a popular attraction with the crowds while youngsters enjoyed having their photograph taken with Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear in return for a donation.

Wannabe rock gods showed their talent with a Guitar Hero competition, held by Game and Gamestation, while Starbucks donated tea and coffee throughout the day.

Several prizes donated by local businesses went to the highest bidder in the auction of promise and the trampoline and tea-cup attractions in the Market Place donated 25pc of the day's takings to the charities.

The event ended with a performance by the Trafalgar Ladies Line Dancers.

More than �1,000 was raised during the day and Boots will donate �500 to both charities.

The event was organised by Linda Sedgwick, Boots manager, Michele Ellis from Cancer Research UK in Regent Street and street warden Tracy Nixon.

Linda said: “We would like to thank everyone who supported this year's event. This was an excellent day out for the family and raised money for the charities at the same time.”

Planning is already underway to make next year's event bigger and better with organisers aiming to organise a carnival in Yarmouth to compliment the event.

Anyone interested in helping to organise next year's charity day, or has thoughts on a carnival event should contact Linda on 07880 986503 or Michele on 01493 859483.