A special service has been held to mark the opening of a new funeral home in Cromer.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor David Pritchard, Reverend Jennie Hodgkinson and funeral arranger Mary Wilson open the new Cromer branch. Picture: Rob Howarth/Anglia Picture AgencyCouncillor David Pritchard, Reverend Jennie Hodgkinson and funeral arranger Mary Wilson open the new Cromer branch. Picture: Rob Howarth/Anglia Picture Agency (Image: ©Anglia Picture Agency)

The East of England Co-op - the largest independent retailer in East Anglia - opened its latest branch in the town's Garden Street ahead of the opening of the area's first crematorium earlier this month.

And this week local dignitaries met for a dedication service of its chapel of rest.

Councillor David Pritchard, from Cromer Town Council, officially opened the branch by cutting a ribbon after a ceremony led by Reverend Jennie Hodgkinson, assistant minister at the Cromer Parish Church with St Martin's.

Other guests included local care home managers, hospices, representatives from charities, neighbours and members of the funeral profession.

Visitors took the opportunity to talk to the local funeral team over tea and cake. They were also able to chat with the bereavement support counsellors and meet the civil celebrant.

Mary Wilson, funeral arranger and branch manager, said: 'It was fantastic to see so many faces at the dedication service. Since we opened our doors, the community has been nothing but welcoming. We are proud to provide a service to the local community in its time of need.'