Freemasons celebrated the golden jubilee of the Old Pastonian Masonic Lodge with a white table event attended by more than 80 people.

Founded in 1966, the lodge was closely linked to the former Paston Grammar School, in North Walsham.

But in recent years it has opened its membership to those with no previous connection to the school, which became a sixth-form college in 1984 following the merger of the Paston Grammar School with the North Walsham Girls' High School.

Steve Baker, current master of the lodge, said the event was notable for a number of reasons: 'My father was one of the founding members back in 1966, so to be able to mark the occasion was also a tribute to those involved in the forming of that lodge at that time.

'Having the celebration also provided an opportunity to remind us of the role of freemasonry in the local community by enjoying historic ceremony, and engaging with local and national organisations and charities, to help those in need.'

The celebration took place at St Giles, in Norwich, where the lodge meets.

It is among 76 lodges in Norfolk, the oldest having met continuously in Norwich since 1736.