THE company behind Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary has announced a £300,000 boost for underprivileged children to launch its own children's charity.
Merlin's Magic Wand has an initial fund of £100,000 in cash plus £200,000 worth of free tickets for seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged children and their carers.
The Merlin Entertainments Group is the world's second biggest attractions operator with more than 50 worldwide attractions. It supports charity and community activities to the tune of £2.5 million a year.
A board of trustees has been set up to manage the fund and make awards, which could also include grants towards travel and accommodation where appropriate.
Hunstanton Sea Life boss Nigel Croasdale said: "The greatest reward is the joy on the faces of happy visitors, especially our younger visitors.
"We can't wait to help get even more children smiling in the future, especially those whose lives are much less fortunate than most."
- Application forms can be downloaded from the charity's website at www.merlinsmag icwand.org
The full article contains 175 words and appears in Lynn News Friday newspaper.
