Community heroes who go above and beyond to help others have been honoured at a special event to mark a council's 40th anniversary year.

Presentation afternoons have been taking place in the council chamber at Broadland District Council to recognise residents that have been nominated as community heroes.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary year, which began on April 1, 2014, the council asked residents to nominate people from their community who had gone above and beyond the call of duty to make life better for others.

Nominations have come in thick and fast, so a series of presentation afternoons are being held throughout the anniversary year, with two having already taken place on June 18 and 24. The nominees largely include organisers of local groups and social or fundraising events.

Those nominated are being invited to the council offices to meet each other and be praised for their good deeds over tea, coffee and cakes.

They are then each presented with a certificate and hamper of local produce by the council chairman Tony Adams.

'It has been a delight to start meeting the community heroes and hear how they have helped local people and causes,' he said. 'Each person has been really flattered by their nomination and the recognition they are receiving for what is all too often thankless work.

'Having residents in our district who volunteer to make other people's lives richer encourages safe, community environments and is part of what makes Broadland a great place to live.'

To find out more about Broadland District Council's 40th anniversary honours, visit www.broadland.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/news.aspx?id=22282