A new funeral branch offering multi-faith support and pre-paid funeral plans has opened in Norfolk.

The East of England Co-op Funeral Services' first branch in Thetford was inaugurated by the town's mayor, Chris Harvey.

The branch, located in Bury Road, will also host community-focused activities like coffee and chat sessions, aimed at tackling loneliness and building support networks.

Eastern Daily Press: The funeral limousine parked outside the newly opened Bury Road Funeral Services branch The funeral limousine parked outside the newly opened Bury Road Funeral Services branch (Image: East of England Co-op)

Lisa Smith, a funeral arranger, said: “It’s a true privilege to open our doors to the local communities of Thetford and extend our services to this proud and historic town."

Eastern Daily Press: The Bury Road branch Funeral Arrangers Lisa Smith and Susan Cochrane with Colin Dixon, Head of Funerals at East of England Co-op The Bury Road branch Funeral Arrangers Lisa Smith and Susan Cochrane with Colin Dixon, Head of Funerals at East of England Co-op (Image: East of England Co-op)

The branch will operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, offering additional services such as memorial masonry and bereavement support.

The East of England Co-op Funeral Services has branches across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.