Hilgay butcher offers gnome from gnome

A West Norfolk butcher is offering a gnome from gnome for unwanted and shabby woodland folk.

Ali Dent is hoping to start up an old folks gnome at his shop in Hilgay to raise money for the Norfolk Hospice.

He is now appealing for donations of unwanted gnomes to renovate and sell on to raise money for the Hillington hospice.

Mr Dent, who is a well- known local fundraiser, said: “They say there’s no place like gnome and I want to offer one to all the area’s unwanted ornaments.

“Instead of leaving them gnome alone we can use them to make money for a really good cause.

“There could be gnome limit to the fundraising.”

Mr Dent came up with the fundraising brainwave during a joke with a neighbour.

He said: “I have one or two gnomes in my garden and the hairdresser next door keeps bringing more.

“One appeared on top of a plant pot yesterday.”

Along with appealing for gnome donations, Mr Dent is also looking for help to renovated the ornaments.

He said: “Please bring me your gnomes.”

Mr Dent is one of the most energetic charity fundraisers in West Norfolk.

He has raised £230 for the brain trauma unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge during a recent quiz. Another quiz, in aid of Serv, will be held in the next few months.

He is also looking for bands who would be willing to perform at a party in the park which will be held later this year in Hilgay.

This event will be supporting the work of Guide Dog for the Blind.

As always, Mr Dent and the Rotary Club of Downham will be joining forces to put on the popular Hilgay Raft Race in the summer.