A memorial service for a former leader of Norfolk County Council, hailed as a 'great champion' for the county, is to be held at Norwich Cathedral.

The service in memory of John Alston, CBE, who died last month at the age of 77, will take place this Friday and all are welcome to attend.

Mr Alston had two spells as leader of Norfolk County Council in the 1980s and 1990s - totalling a decade at the helm of County Hall.

He later served as the county's High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant.

He also served as chairman, of the East Norfolk Health Authority and later the Norfolk Health Authority.

He was also vice-chairman of the Council of the University of East Anglia from 1986 until 2002 and pioneered the Millennium Trust for Carers, which later became the EDP We Care Appeal.

The service will be held at the cathedral at 2.30pm.

The Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, said: 'Norfolk has lost one of its great champions as well as a man greatly loved and honoured by all who knew him.'

Mr Alston, who lived at Besthorpe Hall, left his partner, Miro O'Sullivan, a brother and two sisters.

People who want to make donations are invited to contribute to the We Care Appeal c/o Andy Free Funeral Director, Fairfields, High Street, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2BT.

• Would you like to pay tribute to someone? Email dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk