Dignitaries from across Norfolk, and further afield, gathered in Dereham to attend an official civic service.

The service for Breckland Council chairman, Kate Millbank, took place at The Church of St Nicholas.

Among the guests who came to the event were Deputy Lieutenant Nigel Savory, High Sheriff of Norfolk Charles Watt, past and present chairs and mayors from Norfolk councils, and Breckland councillors and senior management.

Elizabeth Bray, a trustee of Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, cllr Millbank's chosen charity for her year of office, also attended.

At the afternoon tea she thanked her for her support in raising funds and boosting the profile of the charity.

Cllr Millbank was appointed as chairman of Breckland Council in May 2017. This is an annual appointment and her term of office will end this month.

She said: 'I have loved being the chairman of Breckland Council over the past 11 months, and through the role I have had the pleasure of meeting so many interesting, and sometimes inspirational, people who make up the rich tapestry of Breckland life.

'Dereham holds a special place in my heart and am delighted that I was able to host my civic service at The Church of St Nicholas, and then my afternoon tea at the beautiful Dereham Memorial Hall.

'I have chosen to use my term of office to support Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis as it is such a little known and quite terrifying disease that claimed the life of my good friend Phyllis. Over 5,000 new cases are diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common form, each year, and without a lung transplant life expectancy is only three to four years.'

The proceeds of a collection at the church service was split between The Church of St Nicholas and cllr Millbank's charity.

A raffle and a game of heads and tails at the afternoon tea also raised additional funds for Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis.

The charity focuses on supporting those with pulmonary fibrosis and IPF and it educates healthcare professionals about pulmonary fibrosis and IPF, as well as giving funds towards research and setting up support groups.

Are you organising an event? Email donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk or ring 01362 854705.