A 50-year-old fighter aircraft, the star exhibit at a Wisbech aviation museum, is about to get a new coat of paint – thanks to a cash gift from businessman Carl Lamb.

Carl, who is managing director of financial advice firm Almary Green, has just announced details of his �10,000 giveaway to charities, and he has allocated �450 towards the respray of the jet engined Vampire aircraft.

Jim Paradine, chairman of the Fenland and West Norfolk Aircraft Preservation Society, said: “We are overjoyed with Almary Green’s generosity. I was quite taken aback to receive a letter saying our application had been successful.”

The Vampire is one of three aircraft kept at the society’s museum. The society had been quoted �17,000 for a professional respray on the aircraft, so members have decided to do a DIY job, which is expected to cost around �1,800.

The �10,000 charitable trust fund set up by Almary Green has also given �300 to PACT Norfolk, a project which helps victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and wants to expand into Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

Mr Lamb said: “Business is not all about making money. Almary Green is a well-established firm and we have had a successful year. I believe that means we have a responsibility to reinvest in the community and have a duty to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.”