Liz Coates THEY did just grand - three times over in fact!Villagers in Ormesby dug deep for money and fundraising ideas to help local lad George Howard.The effort culminated on Saturday - George's 7th birthday - with a range of events at the Jolly Farmers pub where locals enjoyed pub games and forfeits.

Liz Coates

THEY did just grand - three times over in fact!

Villagers in Ormesby dug deep for money and fundraising ideas to help local lad George Howard.

The effort culminated on Saturday - George's 7th birthday - with a range of events at the Jolly Farmers pub where locals enjoyed pub games and forfeits.

Local pharmacist David Matilla finally parted with his bushy beard of seven months after a chance quip by George's mum Michelle Howard got the fundraising ball rolling.

Local shoppers have been putting pennies in home-made appeal boxes around the village and sponsorship forms have helped raise �3,350 for equipment for George whose life-limiting disorder was diagnosed as a baby.

George's dad Paul Howard was “overwhelmed” by the generosity of friends and strangers who had raised a staggering amount for their profoundly disabled little boy.

“Everyone has been so generous. I keep thanking people and hopefully they realise how much I really mean it. The pub did a brilliant job and raised an incredible �1,025. The Co-op Pharmacy raised �1,167, the Spar raised �500, the Ormesby Chippy raised �241, Total Garage raised �300, Rackhams Butchers raised �100 and the Ormesby Post Office raised �17.

Mr Howard said the cash would enable the family to buy specialist equipment.