The mayor of Cromer has been presented with an award for her work as a member of the political party UKIP.

Gwen Smith was given the party's Gold Medal in recognition of her 20 years service, which included setting up the north Norfolk constituency branch and helping it become an active and thriving organisation of 140 members.

Mrs Smith, 75, served as chairman of the branch for several years and stood down 18-months ago to concentrate on her town council duties. She is now its membership secretary.

Mrs Smith said she was surprised and delighted to receive the accolade. She added: 'My greatest achievement with UKIP has been seeing the branch grow. North Norfolk normally has one of the highest memberships for the eastern region and we are starting to get a few young people involved.

'When UKIP came third in the European election was also a great moment. We all had to work very hard for that.'