But, more important, is the local service with a smile.

Over Christmas 2008 we almost completed a redecoration of our daughter's bedroom.

I say almost. We had bought an extra set of curtains to cover two cushions, a tatty old wooden chair and a reclaimed headboard but had no clue about how to go about the work.

Vicky at the Fabric Shop, in St Nicholas Street, came to our rescue.

In the shop window was a sign saying 'curtain making undertaken'.

I plucked up courage to ask if she could help with my quest.

It was not a problem – pleasant, efficient service and at acceptable costs. Thank you!

It's great to see the room complete and I'm so grateful to Vicky's talent and approachable personality.

Use the local services Diss has to offer. You never know what can be achieved until you ask.

Lorraine Morley, High Road, Roydon

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Seven-point plan to save town centre

This is my plan to put life back into Diss and the high street.

1. Allow spaces over shops to be used for domestic use, with no rates charged. This would cut down on crime, save on insurance claims and cut the list of people waiting for homes.

2. Cover up all the road signs and traffic lights (the only time there are no hold ups in Victoria Road is when the lights are broken).

3. Allow people to drive up any road and park where they want.

4. Give any new business the first year's rates free.

5. Hire street entertainers on Saturdays to attract more people into the town.

6. Encourage shops to open at 8.30am instead of 9am when most people have started work.

7. Encourage commercial events in the park in the summer. Where else could you find a park leading down to a lake with a pavilion thrown in?

If you live in Diss and something has been put on, even if it is not your cup of tea, support it – if you don't use it you will lose it.

Peter Gillings, Mission Road, Diss

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So grateful for return of stolen frog

People do have consciences and to the person(s) who removed my frog ornament a fortnight ago from my front garden (Please return dead son's gift), I wish to offer a heartfelt thanks for returning it on the night of March 13.

My husband found it on the Saturday morning and brought it straight in to me.

I was so pleased, that yet again I was in tears, this time for joy.

Also, we would like this opportunity to thank all 300-plus people, friends and family who attended Michael's funeral on February 23.