Susan Wellerd has been named as Norfolk's Clerk of the Year.

Mrs Wellerd has brought a 'breath of fresh air' and the 21st century into the proceedings of Stalham Town Council, according to its chairman, Duncan Edmonds, who nominated her for the honour.

The award scheme is run by the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (NALC) whose judges pick three winners in categories determined by the size of a council's budget.

Mrs Wellerd won in the medium budget category and was then chosen as the overall champion, earning a certificate and a cheque for £100, sponsored by Westcotec.

She was presented with her prize by Jo Belsten, chairman of Hickling Parish Council, who is on the executive of NALC and was one of the three judges.

Mrs Belsten said one of Mrs Wellerd's most significant achievements had been revitalising the annual town meeting, turning it from a poorly-supported part of the annual council meeting, into a 'genuine public event focusing on special local topics.'

Mrs Wellerd, from Repps with Bastwick, has been Stalham's clerk for three years.

Dr Edmonds praised her enthusiasm, diligence, patience and good nature, which had created an atmosphere of trust, cohesion and achievement.

Mrs Wellerd, who has been a clerk for 14 years in West Sussex and Norfolk, is currently also clerk to Smallburgh and Dilham parish councils.

She said it was a privilege to work with a very good and positive council like Stalham.

'I enjoy the job. You never really know what each day will bring - from dealing with burials to play areas, and working out budgets,' she added.

She is looking forward to the fruition of one project in the spring, a new Stalham Town Trail with which she has been closely involved.

? Clerk of the Year runners-up for 2016 are Kate Bennett (Nordelph Parish Council) and Tracey Bayfield (Blakeney Parish Council).