A charity which provides support to vulnerable children and families in north Norfolk revealed it has been given an unusual donation.

Break, which operates from an office in Sheringham, has been gifted the use of a Victorian bed and breakfast in Wells-next-the-Sea, by owner Stephen Bournes, for the year.

It plans to rent out the eight bedroomed Mill House property, which sleeps up to 20 people, for up to £275 a night and then use the money to fund breaks for people it cares for.

Liz Richards, Break's communications and marketing officer, said: 'We've never done anything like this before.

'Stephen was running it as a B&B but he's in an interim period at the moment so he offered the house to Break to use for this year while he decides what he's going to do with it.

'It's going to be offered for large parties to use and we hope to take bookings from the beginning of February. It's got eight bedrooms, all ensuite, and sleeps 20 so it's like an affordable, family holiday home.'

Volunteers from the children's charity moved in to the plush property in Northfield Lane, Wells, this week to make it ready ahead of an open day on Friday, February 12, between 12noon and 3pm when interested groups are invited to look around.

A new website is also being set-up to take bookings, with discounts being offered to other charities.

Mrs Richards said: 'We're putting in a new kitchen at the moment and this week there are teams of Break people, who are not on shift or who are on holiday, going up there to get it ready and clean it from top to bottom.

'The idea is that we let it so it's available to anyone who wants it.

'The most expensive weeks are £275 a night in high season but when you break that down for 20 people it's pretty good value.

'The money comes to us for letting it out and that enables us to give our young people a break during the year as well. It will be interesting to see, we've never done anything like this before so we're working really hard to get it ready.'

Break's services include children's homes, short breaks, family assessments, helping women with mental health needs, and support for young people leaving care.

Explaining the reason for his donation, Mr Bournes, who carved a reputation for reinvigorating Southwold Pier in Suffolk, said: 'Children are the building blocks for the future and therefore need time and love and support.

'We are all here to support and help those around us in whatever way we can. By giving Mill House to Break charity I hope that this will provide the support and encouragement and thirst for life when only turmoil seems to surround them.'