They feature 5,000 members and have been at the heart of community life for several decades.

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

And to show their dedication to Norfolk, more than 30 Women's Institute (WI) groups across the county, will have a strong presence for the first-ever Norfolk Day.

Eastern Daily Press: Mary Dorrell, from Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes Picture: ANTONY KELLYMary Dorrell, from Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Margaret Collingwood, chairman of the Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes, said: 'The WI has been woven into the warp and weft of Norfolk lives for nearly 100 years.

Eastern Daily Press: Margaret Collingwood, chairman of Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes Picture: ANTONY KELLYMargaret Collingwood, chairman of Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

'With our centenary coming up in 2019, with over 5,000 members in over 155 WIs right across this wonderful county, we are excited to be involved in making the Norfolk Day initiative a success.'

Mary Dorrell, chairman of the federation's communications team, said: 'It is fantastic how many WI groups have risen to the challenge. We had a wonderful response. If you put a call-out to the WI they never disappoint you.'

Events include:

?Coffee mornings at Attleborough Town Hall, Erpingham with Calthorpe Village Hall, Downham Market Town Hall, Ottendorf Green in Sheringham, Sporle Community Centre, Thetford, Hockwold-cum-Wilton, Marsham and Caston.

?Celebrations of community life, heritage, food and the natural environment in Aylsham, Belton, Caister, Banningham, North Walsham, North Pickenham, Mundesley and Reepham.

?Picnic events will be held at Bowthorpe and Eagle Park in Norwich.

?Members from Southery, Swallowtail in Sprowston, Rock Buns and Rolling Pins in North Walsham, Holt and Coltishall will be involved in events including village litter picks, hiding decorated rocks, opening community orchards and handing out handmade flower and lavender posies.

?Members of Barford, Wramplingham and District WI will even be highlighting the importance of good bus services at the bus stop on the B1108 in Barford opposite the Cock Inn.

?The Norfolk Federation of Women's Institutes will also open its Norwich headquarters - Evelyn Suffield House on All Saints' Green - from 10am to allow people to find out about its past, present and future activities.

Visit www.thewi.org.uk/become-a-member/structure-of-the-wi/england/norfolk/norfolk-day for more details about Norfolk Day events.