The Great Yarmouth Lions Club has gained the Freedom of the Borough in appreciation for their charitable deeds.

The club earned the honour after the Great Yarmouth Borough Council unanimously voted for it.

To formalise the accolade, a ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Town Hall on Thursday, April 18.

The decision was based on the Lions Club’s dedication to charity fundraising and its valuable involvement in the community for more than 70 years.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Decades of charity work earn Lions Club Freedom of the Borough Decades of charity work earn Lions Club Freedom of the Borough (Image: Great Yarmouth Lions Club)

The mayor of Great Yarmouth, councillor Penny Carpenter, said: ‘’Over many decades the Great Yarmouth Lions Club has done a huge amount of good.

‘’Its charitable achievements are too many to mention, but people will be particularly aware of the Santa Sleigh it runs at Christmas that brings joy to the town and raises vital money for good causes.

‘’We are delighted to honour Great Yarmouth Lions Club with the Freedom of the Borough and, on behalf of the council, I would like to thank the club for its service to the community.’’

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The Lions Club's achievements involve preparing Christmas meals for the lonely, providing books for schools, running an ambassador programme, and increasing awareness around period poverty.

A blue plaque in Gorleston recognises the site of a holiday home once operated by the Lions Club to provide sponsored breaks for partially sighted and blind individuals.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Town Hall on April 18 A ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Town Hall on April 18 (Image: Great Yarmouth Lions Club)

The club, currently with 21 members of various ages, has a partnership with its French counterpart in Rambouillet.

Of these members, the longest-serving individual has been a part of the club for more than half a century.