A leading novelist, who made a 'huge contribution' to a historic Suffolk market town, has been fondly remembered during a special ceremony.

Eastern Daily Press: Elizabeth Jane Howard in her Bungay home in 2008. Photo: Andy DarnellElizabeth Jane Howard in her Bungay home in 2008. Photo: Andy Darnell (Image: Archant © 2008)

A plaque was unveiled on the home of author Elizabeth Jane Howard on Saturday as friends, family and special guests celebrated her 'great support' for Bungay.

Jane – as she was always called – moved to Bridge House in Bungay in 1990, which is where she remained until she died, aged 90, in January 2014. And to commemorate the role she had in campaigning to help save Bungay Library from possible closure, and for her involvement in Bungay life, her contribution to the community was recognised.

The plaque was organised by the Bungay Community Library trustees, the Bungay Society, and Jane's daughter, Nicky Starks, who lives at the house.

Prominent author and close friend Louis de Bernières said he was 'honoured' to perform the unveiling in front of a good turnout.

Eastern Daily Press: Plaque unveiling to commemorate Elizabeth Jane Howard at her Bungay home. Picture: ANDREW ATTERWILLPlaque unveiling to commemorate Elizabeth Jane Howard at her Bungay home. Picture: ANDREW ATTERWILL (Image: Archant)

Addressing those present, Mr de Bernières – who took on the role of patron of Bungay community library after Jane's death – said: 'This is a very dignified, simple plaque that Jane would've been thrilled with. I think she loved living here. I am very honoured – we all loved Jane a great deal.'

Renowned for The Cazalet Chronicles, which was adapted into a popular BBC television series, Jane wrote 22 books. She was an actress and broadcaster, who married three times, including to the naturalist Sir Peter Scott and to fellow author Sir Kingsley Amis.

The novelist was awarded a CBE in 2000 for her lifetime's work. As a 'great supporter' in the campaign to save Bungay Library, in 2011 she wrote: 'If this library closes, it will affect not only people in Bungay but the outlying villages as well.'

Eventually Bungay community library was saved as it became a registered charity in 2012.

Have you got a Waveney story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk