I was pleased to help Burston and Tivetshall Primary Schools celebrate the launch of their partnership last Friday by unveiling commemorative plaques at both schools.

The children added to the celebrations by dressing up as their favourite characters.

This is an exciting time for both schools. I am sure that Burston and Tivetshall schools will benefit greatly by combining resources and ideas.

Headteacher Sue Cooke, who runs an excellent school at Burston, is taking on the role of head at both schools, dividing her time equally between them. I know Mrs Cooke will bring her many skills to bear at Tivetshall and wish her and both schools every success for the future.

CARD ACCOUNT

Thank you to all the sub-postmasters and South Norfolk residents who have written to me about the proposed axing of the Post Office Card Account.

Everyone who has contacted me wants to keep the card. Overwhelmingly, sub-postmasters say the card's withdrawal would have a devastating effect on their businesses and, in some cases, could force closure.

This would have a serious knock-on effect with some villages losing their only remaining shop.

Pensioners will be particularly hard hit as many do not have cars and rely on the village post office and shop for cash and day-to-day necessities.

I am collating all your comments to send to Work and Pensions Minister John Hutton to ask the Government to reverse its decision. I will let you know the response.

SCOUT PARADE

I am always keen to support the Scout movement, which promotes strong ethical values in the young, such as service to others, so I enjoyed taking part in the St George's Day Parade last Sunday.

This year it was the turn of the 1st Long Stratton Scouts to host the event.

The salute was taken by district commissioner Peter Chetwynd. He was accompanied by the president of Southern Norfolk District Scout Council, Bram Davies, Alan Thorpe, who is doing much towards arranging next year's Scout Jamboree, and the chairman of South Norfolk Council, Robert McClenning.

The service at the leisure centre was conducted by Rev James Nash, of Long Stratton, assisted by Scout district chaplain Rev Janice Scott.

A collection taken at the service was for East Anglia's Children's Hospices.