Hospital doctor funds library activities in Norfolk

A doctor who worked at a community hospital in Norfolk more than 30 years ago has donated $5,000 (£3,462) to the town's library.

Dr Ashoh Varma, who now lives in the US, said how much he "cherished" his time in Aylsham.

He was a senior house officer at St Michael's Hospital for just seven months in the 1970s.

Norfolk County Council said the money will fund free activities for children during school holidays.

In a letter to the council, Dr Varma, who was born in Hyderabad in India, wrote: "I always cherish the pleasant memories of my stay there and consider the people of Aylsham as 'my people' who are in my thoughts very often.

"I understand my people are going through tough economic times and the funding for some important projects is getting difficult

"No matter what the economic circumstances, our people, especially our children, must never stop getting the gift of education."

Ros Johnson, community librarian at Aylsham Library, said: "It was a wonderful surprise to hear about the donation and we can't thank Dr Varma enough for his kindness.

"The free activities we have planned throughout the year will hopefully encourage more families and children to come and take part and see what the library has to offer them, and we hope this is in the spirit that the money was given.

"We're going to let Dr Varma know how the activities go and hopefully send him some pictures of local children benefiting from his generosity."

Dr Varma is involved with many causes around the world, particularly in India and in his current home in Columbus, Ohio, the council added.