The county's chief coroner is responsible for investigating the deaths of those who have died suddenly, unexpectedly or in unusual circumstances.

After 12 years in the role and having overseen thousands of inquests, Jacqueline Lake - the first woman to hold the post - stepped down this week.

Her public pronouncements are usually limited to ruling on the causes of deaths and highlighting any lessons that may be learned, but to mark her retirement she has spoken about the challenges and rewards of this vital role.

Norfolk senior coroner Jacqueline Lake has retired this week (Image: Newsquest) Unsurprisingly, the 65-year-old said that dealing with death on a daily basis had led to a greater sense of her mortality but that the job was ultimately life-affirming.

“This role has given me a greater appreciation of my loved ones, my family and my own mortality," she said.

A large part of the job is dealing with the bereaved and Mrs Lake has strived to make sure they remain at the heart of each inquest.

For each hearing, the family of the deceased are asked to provide a 'pen portrait' of their loved one, to focus on their life as much as their death.

“I think it’s important to hear about the person’s life as well so that they are not defined by how their life ended," Mrs Lake added.

“I've heard some amazing stories over the last few years about some amazing people. Everybody had a story to tell, and it's been great being privy to some of that."

William Armstrong (Image: Newsquest) When Mrs Lake took on the job in 2013, she knew she had "some big boots to fill".

Her predecessor, William Armstrong, had retired after 18 eventful years in the role.

He had overseen the service's move from the Assembly House - where there were doilies on the table to protect the surface - to a purpose-designed court at Eastgate House, in Thorpe Road.

Mrs Lake remembers that time well as she was deputy coroner for 15........

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