Some of Dereham's community heroes were recognised at a civic service, hosted by town mayor Hilary Bushell.

Some of Dereham's community heroes were recognised at a civic service, hosted by town mayor Hilary Bushell.

Held at the Sacred Heart and St. Margaret Mary Church, the ceremony was attended by both former and visiting mayors.

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Sheriff of Norwich, and representatives of many organisations in the town and RAF Marham were also in attendance at the event on Sunday.

The reception was held at Dereham Memorial Hall, where Ms Bushell thanked everyone for supporting her and making the day 'so memorable'.

She added that her thoughts for the year were that 'no one should be forgotten or feel alone'.

The mayor has set up the 'Forget Me Not's' group which meets on the last Tuesday of every month offering a 'cuppa, chat and cake' in the library.

The Mayor's 2017 charity is MIND, which is also supported by Lord and Lady Dannatt.

Citizens' Awards were presented to people in the community who have contributed voluntary work for charity as well as representing Dereham and England in the Commonwealth Games.

These awards were presented to: Marjorie Dingle - for her services as secretary for The Norfolk and Norwich Liver Group.

John English - for his many years of work for the Royal British Legion.

Michael Gault - for services to sport by being the holder of the most Commonwealth Games medals for shooting.

Clive Goldsmith - for his services in so many aspects to the Dereham Windmill.

Ken Hawkins - for his voluntary work on the footpaths and walkways of Dereham and obtaining Walkers are Welcome status for Dereham.

Brenda Juniper - for her 28 years of being on the committee for the Toftwood Village Hall.

Margaret Keeler - for her work in organiser of the Wellspring Group.

Eleanor Secker - for her work and dedication in raising money for Cancer care and more recently Friends of Cancer among many other organisations.

Brian Webb- for his work as chairman of Dereham Windmill and for taking the windmill from strength to strength.

Bill Dingle - for his work for the support he gives to the Norfolk and Norwich Liver group and the help and assistance in raising money for life-saving equipment.