Thetford welcomed its mayor for the jubilee year to office last night (Tuesday) at an annual ceremony.

Terry Lamb, who is in his 50th year as a councillor, was presented with the ceremonial chains from outgoing mayor Derek Mortimer as he took his seat in front of an audience at the Guildhall.

The appointment is the castle ward councillor's third term in office, with the first in 1970/71 and the second in 1989/90.

Mr Lamb said: 'I will endeavour to hold high the responsibility and dignity of this ancient office in what promises to be an eventful year.

'The watchword will be quantity only if it is quality.'

The new mayor did not announce his charity for the year but said he would make a decision as his term progressed.

Mr Mortimer, Conservative councillor for the Guildhall ward, was elected as deputy mayor for the coming year and said his time as mayor had been challenging but enjoyable.

'This year has been arduous to say the least but of course everything has its upside and the upside of this is I've enjoyed a great round of duties in and around the area and in other offices and mayoralities,' he said.