Here in our region we are proud of our local identity and about everything that is unique and vibrant about our counties.

This is highlighted throughout our paper which is full of stories of people who are passionate about where they live and committed to making sure their voices are heard about what matters in their community.

Recently, we saw parents and pupils in Great Yarmouth taking to the streets in protest against proposals to merge two schools in the town, and on the following page people in Roydon are speaking out against plans to change the boundary of the village that is their home. There is also a great tale of people power in Itteringham, where there has been celebrations as community spirit at its best has saved the village shop.

And in Norwich, people are making sure their voices count as together we speak out against the potential closure of the Colman's Mustard and Britvic factories and the loss of 350 jobs.

READ MORE: Campaign launched to save factory jobs

Nine thousand people have already answered our call to sign our petition to keep Colman's Mustard - one of the most iconic of Norwich brands - and Britvic in our fine city. We hope many more signatures will follow, and we are delighted that Norfolk MPs have put aside their political differences to show support to our campaign.

It is great to see so many stand up for our communities - long may people power prosper.