TV presenter Clare Weller made her own headlines opening a fundraiser for a disability charity in Great Yarmouth.Clare, who is a familiar face to viewers fronting Anglia News, cut the ribbon at the Centre 81 fete last week.

TV presenter Clare Weller made her own headlines opening a fundraiser for a disability charity in Great Yarmouth.

Clare, who is a familiar face to viewers fronting Anglia News, cut the ribbon at the Centre 81 fete last week.

She was given a tour of the centre for people with physical and sensory disabilities with fellow presenter Jonathan Wills.

“It is a fantastic facility and I am so impressed that the fete was organised by members of the centre,” said Clare. “Funds are so important to organisations like this so the more money that can be raised the better. I just wish I could have brought our weather girl Wendy Hurrell along to encourage the sun to come out.”

More than £1,000 was raised at the fete, the first held by the centre in Tar Works Road. It was arranged by members Bob McCartney and Barbara Fransham and many others helped out on the day running stalls.

Bob, who has been confined to a wheelchair since having both his legs amputated, asked Clare to open the fete when they met at a sailing class for disabled people at Oulton Broad.

Family members, friends, staff and volunteers at the centre all attended the fete which included all the usual fun and games.

Centre 81 company secretary and manager Diana Staines said: “This was the first time the members have organised an event - to get them involved was brilliant.

“We are trying to move away from the idea that people are disabled and to concentrate on all the things they capable of doing. It was absolutely brilliant having Clare come along especially as she was not aware previously of all the work that is being done here.”

Members of the centre take part in a range of activities including sailing, ten pin bowling, shanty singing and computing, receive advice on disability rights and access to counselling.

For more information call Centre 81 on 01493 852573.