Festive cheer has arrived early in the city centre as a Christmas card shop continues its pursuit of a multi-million-pound target for the good causes it supports.

The Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop has made its return for a fourth year at St Peter Mancroft Church, with 28 charities supported.

Hundreds of different cards are again on sale, with every penny raised distributed between the charities, ranging from Amnesty International and the Alzheimer’s Society to Norwich Foodbank. 

Norwich Evening News: The Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop is open Monday to Saturday between 10.45am and 3pm until December 14 The Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop is open Monday to Saturday between 10.45am and 3pm until December 14 (Image: Sonya Duncan/Newsquest)

The work of a team of volunteers is extremely helpful for those good causes too, with sales of £44,000 in 2021 rising to just over £47,000 last year.

That means, as the shop begins its 58th year overall, an impressive £1.7m has been raised in total through the years - with the £2m milestone in sight in the years ahead.

READ MORE: Former MP confused as remains of stolen bike given abandonment notice

Lady Laurel Walpole, chairwoman of the organisation, said: “This is the oldest charity Christmas card shop in Norwich. Sending and receiving cards maintains links, especially for a generation that isn't into social media.”

The Lord Mayor of Norwich, James Wright, officially opened the shop on Wednesday morning.

Norwich Evening News: Lady Walpole, chair of the Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop Lady Walpole, chair of the Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop (Image: Sonya Duncan/Newsquest)

The lord mayor said: “You have just got to look at the boards to see the range of charities represented and realise just how important this is for fundraising at the moment for all of those charities.

“Thank you very much to all of the volunteers who will make the next few weeks an absolute success.

READ MORE: Opening date for new milkshake shop finally confirmed

“It’s great to have somewhere you can call home and come back to year in, year out.”

The shop will be open Monday to Saturday between 10.45am and 3pm until Thursday, December 14, with Christmas shoppers able to purchase individual cards or packs by cash or card. 

Norwich Evening News: Lady Walpole and Lord Mayor of Norwich James Wright at the opening of this year's Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop Lady Walpole and Lord Mayor of Norwich James Wright at the opening of this year's Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop (Image: Sonya Duncan/Newsquest)

Edward Carter, the vicar at St Peter Mancroft Church, added: “This is a place of worship but also a tremendous hub for community activities.

"I was delighted when it proved possible for them to come here and I am confident that this is an ongoing partnership.”

The volunteers also donate gifts to make Christmas hampers which are raffled off to help cover the running costs of the shop.

Norwich Evening News: Rev Canon Edward Carter of St Peter Mancroft Church and the Lord Mayor of Norwich James Wright at the opening of the Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop Rev Canon Edward Carter of St Peter Mancroft Church and the Lord Mayor of Norwich James Wright at the opening of the Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop (Image: Sonya Duncan/Newsquest)