When Ian Martin moved from Kent to Yaxham, near Dereham, with his wife Susan in 2005, he was already determined to make a difference to local people.

A former law graduate of Southampton University, Mr Martin spent his career working with Shell and travelling around the world.

In 1997, he stood as a Conservative candidate for parliament but was unsuccessful in his endeavour. That was the year which saw Labour end 18 years in the political wilderness, returning to power with a parliamentary landslide.

Ian Martin (Image: Newsquest / Courtesy of family)

Following the move to Nelson’s County, the couple had been actively involved in community life while living in the Garden of England - so hard work was already a familiar feeling for Mr Martin.

One of the first issues he got his teeth stuck into was in 2007 during the proposed change from Breckland Nursery to what has now become Yaxham Waters.

The long saga lasted many years and created much discussion about how the village should........

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