Mayor says hosting Suffolk Day event a 'privilege'

The Mayor of Haverhill said it was a "privilege" for the town to be the focal point of this year's Suffolk Day celebrations.

The annual event, which was first held in 2017, is based on a successful model in Yorkshire and will take place on 21 June.

Haverhill, in the west of the county, will host this year's Suffolk Day proclamation.

Mayor David Smith said: "This year’s celebrations centre around culture and creativity, something which Haverhill has in abundance."

Suffolk Day sees many free activities and events take place across the county

Mr Smith added: "The town is a place of great diversity, culture, greenery and history, all things that make Suffolk a county to be proud of."

Suffolk Day will see a range of events and activities take place across the county, including guided walks and treasure hunts.

The late John Norman (right) was awarded the Suffolk Medal by Lady Clare FitzRoy, Countess of Euston, who is the Lord Lieutenant for the county

In recent years, the Suffolk Medal has been given to people who have made a "lasting difference" to the county.

The medals are usually presented at the Suffolk Day proclamation event, but this year John Norman, a former lecturer and foster carer, received the Suffolk Medal in February.

Ipswich Borough Council announced on Wednesday that Mr Norman had died, having already become an honorary freeman of the borough.

He was noted for his "outstanding contribution" to people in Ipswich.

Before his death he said receiving the medal was "an honour, not only for myself, but also for my wife and family who have supported me in all I do".