A memorial fund, which was set up to support a range of organisations, has boosted two Lowestoft-based charities.

Donations have been presented to the Salvation Army in Lowestoft and to DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney to support their community work.

Barbara Hood, on behalf of the Edward and Ivy Rose Hood Memorial Fund, and Frank Mortimer, Chairman of Waveney District Council, assisted by Cllr Trish Mortimer, recently presented cheques to the two charities.

The memorial fund donated £10,000 to DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney at the organisation's Christmas lunch, which was held at the Ivy House Country Hotel in Oulton Broad last month.

And in a separate presentation before Christmas, £1,000 was presented to the Salvation Army to help fund their Christmas meals.

Mr Mortimer said: 'I am honoured to be given the opportunity to assist Barbara Hood and my consort Cllr Trish Mortimer in handing over cheques to DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney and the Salvation Army.

'DIAL has gone through a difficult time of late, however the trustees are working tirelessly to ensure people across Waveney continue to receive help and assistance where needed.

'The Salvation Army do such a worthwhile job supporting vulnerable people, those living alone and those who sometimes don't know where their next meal is coming from. This is particularly important during the festive season when many can find life difficult.'

Speaking on behalf of the Edward and Ivy Rose Hood Memorial Fund, Barbara Hood, said: 'It gives me enormous pleasure to present a cheque for £1,000 to the Salvation Army to help fund the wonderful work providing food for people with a special need and to help fund meals on Christmas Day. I am also delighted to present DIAL with a grant from the fund to enable them to continue their wonderful work to improve the lives of disabled people. Both my relatives would have felt really rewarded to be able to be associated with DIAL.'

As well as local charities, the Edward and Ivy Rose Hood Memorial Fund also supports study at the UEA and environmental conservation in Suffolk and Norfolk. Edward and Ivy Hood founded the Lowestoft branch of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and last year £33,000 was donated from the fund towards the Trust's £1million campaign to expand its Carlton Marshes reserve.

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Adrian Allen, Lieutenant at the Lowestoft Salvation Army, said: 'We are very grateful to the Edward and Ivy Rose Hood Memorial Fund, whose generous donation of £1,000 helped to provide gifts and food for our guests and make the tables look extra special.

'It is through acts of kindness and generosity such as the Edward and Ivy Rose Hood Memorial Fund, as well as donations from members of the public and from local businesses that enable us to help the vulnerable and isolated in our communities.'

Margaret Oldman, chairman of DIAL Lowestoft and Waveney, said: 'It was lovely that Barbara Hood could attend the Christmas lunch for DIAL in order to present us with a cheque for £10,000 from her relatives' Trust Fund. On behalf of all at DIAL, I can assure her and the trustees of the Edward and Ivy Rose Hood Memorial Fund, that the money will be spent in enabling our service to continue and to help some of the most vulnerable people in Lowestoft and Waveney.'