For the best part of two decades, she has kept a town ticking with her tireless work and organisational skills.

Now Mo Anderson-Dungar has been rewarded for her efforts by being named clerk of the year in the EDP Pride in Norfolk Community Awards.

Mrs Anderson-Dungar beat off 28 rivals for the prestigious award, having been nominated by Aylsham Town Council chairman Eileen Springall.

The clerk, who is a well-known figure in the town, took on the role at Aylsham in July 1992. And in September 1995 she added another string to her bow by becoming clerk of Colby and Banningham Parish Council, a role which she continues to fulfil.

On Wednesday November 23, Mrs Anderson-Dungar was at County Hall in Norwich for the awards ceremony. Afterwards, she spoke to the North Norfolk News and told of her surprise at winning.

She said: 'I had no idea that I was even nominated. But it's not only about my work. I couldn't do what I do without the help of the people around me.'

She added: 'I love the job. I'm passionate about it. I love the variety and I love the people. Aylsham is a fantastic community.'

While no north Norfolk towns or villages were named among the winners, there were two which were runners-up in the awards.

Holt came second to Hunstanton in the 'under 5,000 people' category.

Shirley Matthews, who led the panel, said the decision was a challenge. She had visited both towns on the same day with co-judge and former Pride in Norfolk award co-ordinator Helen Wiggins.

But Hunstanton won the day because it was transforming itself into a community-led town and was embarking on a �200,000 project to turn the derelict basement of the town hall into a youth facility.

In the 'under 2,500' group, Cawston was the runner-up to Old Buckenham, partly because of its 'dynamic' village hall, said former Norfolk WI chairman Susan Warr.

One of the two runners-up in the clerk of the year category was Jill Sparkes, of Ashmanhaugh.

Introducing the ceremony, Shelagh Hutson, chairman of Norfolk County Council, said it gave her great pleasure, as someone who was Norfolk born and bred.

She added: 'The various categories have really helped to put individual communities on the map and also gave them all a feeling of pride.'