Hitchin Town FC has won praise from a Premier League team for donating more than £13,000 to two charities after a series of fundraising events to mark their 150th year in 2015.

The club raised £35,409.40 following a number of initiatives, which included a friendly match at their Top Field home last summer against Premier League side Norwich City – who share their Canaries nickname.

After outgoings of £12,507.50 were taken into account, fundraisers were left with £22,901.90 – and decided to give 60 per cent of the profit to two charities.

Letchworth’s Garden House Hospice received half – £6,870.57 – with BBC Children in Need being handed the other half. The remainder will go towards new floodlights for the club and general maintenance.

Club secretary Roy Izzard thanked everyone for playing their part, adding: “It’s unique for a club like us to hand over more than £13,000 to charity. I’d also like to thank main sponsor Proceed Archiving Solutions who gave a significant amount.”

Norwich City chief executive David McNally said “To have raised more than £22,000 is fantastic and we’re grateful to have had the opportunity to support them in their fundraising.”