North Walsham has joined an elite bunch of seven town and parish councils in Norfolk which have been re-accredited with Quality Status.

The government-backed charter mark, which lasts for four years, is given to councils well-run by qualified clerks which meet minimum standards in areas including openness and efficiency.

North Walsham Town Council first gained Quality Status in 2006 and had to demonstrate that it still met all the criteria before it was re-accredited.

It is among 45 Quality Councils in Norfolk, including 11 in north Norfolk.

Sarita Presland, of the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (centre), is pictured presenting the Quality Status certificate to North Walsham town clerk Margaret Foster (left) and town mayor Anne Rose. Picture: SUBMITTED