The people behind a charity supporting bereaved people in Norwich and its surrounding areas had the chance to celebrate its success at the official opening of its new office this evening.

The ribbon was cut to the new Cruse Bereavement Care office and counselling rooms, on St Augustine's Street, off Aylsham Road, at 6pm today by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Judith Lubbock.

The local branch of the national charity has also been chosen to be civic charity of the year, to help continue offering confidential support to people who have suffered the loss of someone close.

The charity's recent relocation to new premises marked a big step forward as Heather Griffin, area co-ordinator for Cruse, said: 'We had to find a new venue to operate from at quite short notice. Our incredible team of volunteers worked very hard to ensure that our service was not disrupted in any way despite the move, as many local people are depending on our support at a very difficult time in their lives. Volunteers worked many extra hours to prepare the new counselling rooms, and even took on extra clients.'

Other guests included the Bishop of Norwich, the Sheriff of Norwich William Armstrong, the High Sheriff of Norfolk Lady Dannatt and director of Norfolk County Council Community Services Harold Bodmer.

• To support the work of Cruse Bereavement Care in Norwich, contact them at 68 St Augustine's Street, Norwich NR3 3AD or ring 01603 219977.

• Are you part of a charity doing something new or exciting? Contact reporter Donna-Louise Bishop by emailing donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk, ringing 01603 871028 or follow @donnaloubishop on Twitter.

• Find out more about the charity in Saturday's papers.