Filby in Bloom chairman follows in his father's footsteps as Mayor of Great Yarmouth

His father, David Thompson, served as mayor for the 2001/2002 municipal year. In 2016, Adrian succeeded his father as chairman of Filby Parish Council, a position he continues to hold, as well as being a councillor for the Fleggburgh Ward.

Cllr Adrian Thompson was instrumental in creating the Filby in Bloom group back in 1995, which has represented Anglia in Bloom at the Britain in Bloom finals multiple times, winning 'Best Village' 18 out of 20 times.

As the first citizen of the borough, Cllr Thompson will chair full council meetings, help to raise money for his chosen charities, and represent the borough and its people at functions, both inside and outside of the area.

He will be officially elected into the ceremonial, non-political role at the next full council meeting on Tuesday, September 28. His deputy will also be voted in at that meeting.

His chosen charities are Caister Lifeboat, the Great Yarmouth Branches of the Royal British Legion and the Samaritans, and the 901 Troop Marine Cadets (Winterton Cadets).

Cllr Thompson said: "Serving as mayor is a real privilege that not many people get to experience, so to have two chosen from the same family is a double honour that I'm very grateful for.

"I'm looking forward to raising money and awareness for my chosen charities and representing the communities of the borough."

Mr Thompson also runs the Filby Post Office, which was named Community Retailer of the Year at the annual Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) awards, which provides a lifeline Post Office service as well as supporting the local school and food and clothes banks.