The tremendous work carried out for no pay by volunteers in north Norfolk was recognised at a service of celebration and thanksgiving in Cromer Parish Church.

It was hosted by the chairman of North Norfolk District Council John Lee, who said: 'Volunteering is the very thread that runs through our society. 'Volunteers are the glue that binds our communities together - without them there would be no community.'

Among those being honoured was Mundesley Volunteer Inshore Lifeboat Ltd, whose secretary Pam Tidd said: 'It's a great honour. I have been involved with the lifeboat in one way or another since 1979. We are an independent lifeboat, not RNLI funded, so everything we get is from the public. The community is very generous with its support.'

Other groups recognised on Sunday, February 26 included Cromer Christmas Lights volunteers and Victim Support.