Matthew SparkesA group of volunteers who use their hobby of restoring tanks to raise money for charity received a visit from the former head of the army at the weekend.Matthew Sparkes

A group of volunteers who use their hobby of restoring tanks to raise money for charity received a visit from the former head of the army at the weekend.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, who stepped down from the post last year, visited the Norfolk Tank Museum in Long Stratton to collect a cheque for �2,500 on behalf of Help for Heroes.

The museum, which is not yet open to the public, has a growing collection of military vehicles which are used to fundraise at events all over the country.

The money is given annually to Help for Heroes, which helps to rehabilitate soldiers injured on duty.

Sir Richard said: 'I'm really impressed by the enthusiasm and the commitment of everybody here.'

'They're making a big contribution, that's really important.'

'I think its things like Help for Heroes that have given the public the chance to say 'I want to support our servicemen'.'

The collection includes heavyweight battle tanks such as the Chieftain and Centurion, military uniforms, small arms and other artefacts.

There are around ten volunteers who help to restore and operate the machines and it is hoped that eventually the site can be opened to paying visitors to raise more funds.

Currently the vehicles can only be seen when they attend events, transported on the back of a lorry or sometimes driven.

In December last year a Fox military vehicle, which served in Northern Ireland during the 70s, and a six-wheeled, 10.5 tonne Saladin, which was posted to Hong Kong, Cyprus and Ulster, were stationed in Long Stratton to raise money.

In just one day the group raised almost �1,000, which went towards the amount handed over at the weekend.

Stephen MacHaye, owner of the collection, said: 'It's fun with a serious side to it.'

'Every show we've been going to, we've sold wrist bands and raised money that way.'

He said that the cause was 'very relevant' now with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that he felt it to be very important to support injured troops.