A new logo has been unveiled to celebrate the upcoming centenary of a group which brings together thousands of women.

Eastern Daily Press: WI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLYWI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Between 600 and 700 people, representing Norfolk's 159 Women's Institute groups gathered in St Andrew's Hall in Norwich today for the Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes' annual meeting.

Eastern Daily Press: WI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich. Actor Tim Bentinck speaking at the event.Picture: ANTONY KELLYWI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich. Actor Tim Bentinck speaking at the event.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

During the meeting the new logo for the federation was revealed as the group prepares for its centenary celebrations next year.

Eastern Daily Press: WI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLYWI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Support for the first ever Norfolk Day on July 27 was also given from the federation.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Day LogoNorfolk Day Logo (Image: Archant)

Margaret Collingwood, 62, from Wroxham, who was announced as the new chairman, said: 'We would like to make our organisation to be part of Norfolk Day.

Eastern Daily Press: WI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLYWI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

'Norfolk is diverse. You can make what you want of the place, which has culture, skies, coast and countryside. Norfolk is a place to make friends.'

Eastern Daily Press: WI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLYWI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

There are 5,000 Women's Institute members in Norfolk and Mrs Collingwood said several groups were interested in organising different events for Norfolk Day.

Eastern Daily Press: WI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLYWI AGM at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

As part of the Women's Institute ethos, it will work with other organisations.

The chairman added the new logo was an 'exciting time' for the federation which kicks of a year of centenary events on February 1 next year with A Night to Remember at the Holiday Inn near Norwich Airport.

She said the federation also wanted to use the logo to attract new members to Women's Institute groups, which takes in people aged 18 and over.

The first speaker was Davina Tanner, chief executive of community interest company Britannia Enterprises, which rehabilitates prisoners through work.

She told the members of the success of the enterprise which started in 2014 and runs cafes in Norwich in the former Britannia Barracks, Guildhall and Waterloo Park.

So far it has helped around 300 prisoners and the reoffending rate is less than 3pc - the national average is 46pc.

Britannia Enterprises will be celebrating Norfolk Day by holding a 1950s fete on Waterloo Park.

Former University of East Anglia student Tim Bentinck - best known as the voice of David Archer in Radio 4's drama, The Archers - also spoke at the meeting.