The pair stepped in after reading in the Lynn News of elderly members of the Clement Court centre in tears when they heard that their social services funding is to be withdrawn.

The centre was one of seven in West Norfolk facing closure in countywide cutbacks to save around £335,000. Their money is due to dry up at the end of March.

Now the Tuesday meetings of the Terrington group will be able to carry on at least until next Christmas, thanks to Hank Pooley and Tim Browne, who both live in the village and hope that other local businesses will follow their example.

"We think it is disgraceful to treat the elderly people like this,"
said Mr Pooley. "My grandmother used to live at Clement Court and attended the day centre and we know how important it is to them.

"We hope that this might jog other businesses into making a
contribution."

Julie Browne said: "Tim and I have known some of these people
all our lives and it is hard to think of them being treated this way."

Friday's Lynn News highlighted the disappointment of the elderly, some well into their 90s and most of them living alone, who
see the day centres as a lifeline and the highlight of their week.

Margaret Drake, who leads the team of volunteers who run the centre, gave the good news to the centre this week. "Everyone was over the moon. They are so happy to think that the uncertainty is over and they will still be together."

She said that it had also given the volunteers the incentive to make plans for the future and to try to get additional funding to replace the £4,800 they used to get from the county council.

"It has been a fantastic week. First we had this wonderful offer
from Hank and Tim and now representatives from Age Concern and West Norfolk Voluntary and Community Action have been in touch with suggestions of ways we may get additional help.

"They are going to help us to complete application forms." She said it has all given them the enthusiasm to go on. "Obviously we will continue with our funding raising, starting with our Easter coffee morning on
March 23," she said.