Officials have announced a major overhaul in the way Diss Town Council is run, with the creation of a new governing structure.

Under the changes the authority will have both a town mayor and council leader – two roles which are currently joined.

The council hopes the new strategy will enable it to better implement its policies.

Currently the council has a mayor who also leads the council. The incumbent is Julian Mason, who took up the role last May.

Under the new plan, the role of the mayor would be

to chair full council meetings and to represent the

council at civic and other functions.

The council leader would provide support to the town clerk with the day-to-day operation of the council, take responsibility for the council's strategy plan and deputise for the mayor when required.

The changes come as part of a strategy plan to help the council deliver its four key priorities: of infrastructure, community engagement, facilities and heritage and internal operations.

Mr Mason said: 'Our new strategy has ambitious targets to deliver on key priorities for the town.

'By electing a leader to serve alongside the mayor, we will be able to share the workload, allowing the mayor to focus on civic duties, while the leader will champion and drive the strategy plan, ensuring the best outcomes for Diss and its residents.'

The plan was developed using the results from the DissFuture survey of residents and staff and councillor workshops.

The decision of who will be the new leader and mayor will be made at the council's full meeting on Wednesday, and will be implemented with immediate effect.