New Breckland Council chairman elected

Richard Duffield has been elected as the new chairman of Breckland District Council for the forthcoming municipal year.

Mr Duffield, who has been a councillor for 19 years and represents the Lincoln ward, succeeded Kate Millbank at the authority's annual meeting on Thursday.

Lynda Turner has been elected as the council's new vice-chairman.

Mr Duffield said: "It is a great honour to be elected as Chairman and I am grateful to my colleagues for their support. I am looking forward to the coming year, especially the opportunities I will have to meet people from all walks of life and learn more about the great things they are doing for their communities."

During his term, Mr Duffield will raise funds for the Big C cancer charity.

He told the meeting: “This terrible disease has affected a number of my friends and family and I intend to raise as much as I can to support the work of this deserving charity. They provide a lifeline of practical and emotional support to those who have been diagnosed with the disease and their families."

Mrs Millbank also presented a cheque for more than £4,000 to her nominated charity, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, during the meeting.

She said: “It has been a memorable and very special year for me and I have thoroughly enjoyed all the events I have attended.

"I have met many remarkable people and I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and hospitality.”