A vocalist who hosts music sessions where she also sells her homemade produce to raise money for charity has thanked everyone who has helped her raise more than �4,000 so far this year.

As well as providing entertainment and singing for the crowds, Annie Slater, 71, from Hoveton, also sells her home made preserves at the Jam and Jazz sessions.

The money goes to help Worstead Day Care Centre which Annie's husband Lewis, 83, attends since suffering a stroke in 2001, which left him disabled and affected his ability to speak.

As a one-off, a jam and jazz session in September also raised �628 for another charity, The Stroke Association.

In October, Mrs Slater had several jars of jam and marmalade stolen from a stall located just outside her home, twice in just a couple of weeks,

As a result, she received many kind messages and support from friends, customers and strangers alike, and donations towards fundraising.

She said: 'I was constantly reduced to tears for a few days by the kindness and generosity this minor, but mean, theft has brought forth.

'This has brought home to me very strongly just how much goodness, compassion and generosity of spirit there is out there in the world',

The total amount Mrs Slater has raised from January this year has now reached �4,656, and she hopes the final amount raised will top �5,000 by the end of the year.

Mrs Slater has also organised a series of winter 'jam and jazz' sessions, the first taking place at The Butcher's Arms, East Ruston, on Friday November 12, which raised almost �90 for the day care centre.

Two more winter sessions have been arranged, the first is a 'Jazz and Jam' Christmas Special Lunch session on Thursday, December 2 from 12.30pm -3pm in the family room at The Lighthouse Inn, Walcott, with the Old Codgers band providing the music and Miriam Ireland and Eileen Stannard joining Annie as guest vocalists.

The second 'Jazz and Jam' Christmas Special Lunch session, with Annie and another band, Tooes Company, takes place at the same place on Friday, December 10, from 12.30pm - 3pm.

Space is limited in the family area, so early booking is advised if eating. For more details and bookings contact Mrs Slater on 01603 783204.