Cromer has found the 'right formula' for success according to the town's mayor.

Councillor Tim Adams put forward a confident and optimistic view of the future at the Annual Town Meeting.

Mr Adams was speaking at the event that saw awards presented to the town's community champions.

The work of the town's volunteers was praised by the mayor during the ceremony at Cromer Parish Hall.

He said: 'We have a legion of volunteers, but many of our organisations do need extra help.

'It has not been an easy year for the council, there have been a lot of big legal and practical concerns, but I believe Cromer has the right formula for success.'

Mr Adams told the meeting that the threat of introducing on street parking meters had gone for now, but pledged to fight any re-emergence of the proposal.

The change of use of the former Bouncers Bar on Holt Road, which is due to re-open as a Sue Ryder charity shop, had prompted the town council to investigate registering other valued facilities as community assets.

If successful this would provide an extra layer of protection according to Mr Adams.

The mayor also praised the work of the Friends of North Lodge Park who have been awarded a licence to run the attraction's tea rooms commercially for a year for doing a 'fantastic job'. He revealed the town council was set to take on responsibility for grass cutting in from Norfolk County Council and was confident it could deliver a good service.

Council worker Ernest Lawrence was among the unsung heroes to receive a certificate of honour for his work keeping the streets of Cromer clean.

Mr Lawrence, who has been cleaning the streets of the town for the last 12 years, was described as 'a real asset.'

A modest Mr Lawrence, who was nominated by Breakers Cafe on Garden Street, said: 'Thanks to Breakers Cafe and everyone who has nominated me. I am only just doing my job that I get paid to do so thank you everyone.'

Former North Norfolk News editor Richard Batson was commended for his 23 years of reporting on events in Cromer.

His nomination stated that his stories were always of the highest quality, accuracy and fairness, and kept the community informed.

Mr Batson said: 'I am a man of few words, but have written millions over 40 years, the last 23 at Cromer.

'I am just a fellow doing his job, but also cared about the patch as well as the pay cheque. Thanks for this award, very pleased I have not been forgotten just yet.'

Other recipients were British featherweight champion boxer Ryan Walsh; Margaret Barker and Jean Steward, who run the Tuesday Club for adults with learning difficulties; Cromer Academy caretaker Les Sadler; Andy Boyce for his work with Cromer Preservation Society; and community resource centre manager Geoff Leversedge, who is retiring next month following a decade-long managerial role at Merchant's Place in Cromer.

The mayor also presented cheques to a wide range of organisations from money raised through public donations at the New Year's Day fireworks display.

Money was given to the following recipients

Cromer Christmas Lights £1,000

Cromer Twinning Association £500

Cromer Parish Church £200

VEO Limited £1200

Cromer and Sheringham QJ&J Preservation Society £500

Cromer in Bloom £200

Friends of Cromer Museum £400

North Norfolk Community Transport £500

Cromer Community Association £1000

Cromer Youth Football Club £600

Cromer and Sheringham Art Literary Festival £500

Norfolk Community Law Service £300

Age Concern North Norfolk £400

Cromer War Memorial Restoration Fund £500