A charity that has supported thousands of bereaved children through difficult times has been showing people in Thetford what it does at a roadshow.

Nelson’s Journey came to the town on May 26 to spread the message about their vital service, which has been working with young people in Norfolk since 1997.

Its mascot, Nelson the cat, was also on hand to welcome the public.

Last year saw 596 children referred to its service, up 18 pc on the previous year.

It has also seen instances of children being bereaved by loved ones taking their own lives increase by more than 72pc from November 2013 to the same time a year later.

The charity is the only specialist service of its kind in Norfolk and relies upon fundraisers and donors to help it continue its work.

A package of support, including an assessment of the child’s needs, attendance at therapeutic weekends or activity days, and one to one follow up work costs the charity £522.

This year the charity will spend £512,000 running its services.