The new mayor of Ipswich has joined the Lions Club of Ipswich as an honorary member in a special presentation event.

Each year the Lions Club of Ipswich invites the mayor to join the group as an honorary member, and help champion drives and initiatives for those in the community, including blind people, youngsters, the visually impaired and others in the community who are in need.

This week, mayor Sarah Barber was welcomed with a presentation event.

Mrs Barber, a nurse at Ipswich Hospital and Ipswich borough councillor for the Priory Heath ward, said she was delighted to be invited to join the organisation, and will remain an honorary member throughout her term until May next year.

The Lions Club of Ipswich has organised fundraising events for various causes, held car boot sales and organised a blindfold walk to raise awareness for the plight of those with sight impairments in recent years.