A motion recording North Norfolk District Council's deep sadness at the death of Baroness Thatcher, sending condolences to her family, and paying tribute to her achievements, was withdrawn at last night's full council meeting.

Tom FitzPatrick, leader of the Conservative-run council, withdrew the motion on the grounds that it would not be appropriate for the matter to be dealt with as a motion, since that would have resulted in a debate and vote.

Instead, Mr FitzPatrick read out a letter sent on behalf of the council to Lady Thatcher's family, which expressed the same sentiments as the withdrawn motion.