Suffolk County Council's new chair has been bowled over by the work happening in the community as she joined Ipswich pupils to mark their school's 80th birthday. 

Liz Harsant was appointed chair of the County Council in May, and ever since has been taking time to head out into the county and engage in a variety of community activities.

The political stalwart was previously deputy before succeeding Keith Robinson. 

In May, she said: "I promise I will do my very best to carry out my duties to a high standard and represent the county we all love and are so privileged to live in."

The former Ipswich Borough Council leader herself has raised thousands of pounds for causes including the Eden-Rose Coppice Trust, the Ipswich Housing Action Group and Cancer Support Suffolk.

The last two months have been "really exciting" for her as she travels across the county.

"I've been really busy," she added. 

"I did two days of the Suffolk Show and had the great honour of being presented to the Duke of Glouster."

Since her appointment, she has visited several areas in Suffolk such as Milldenhall, Haverhill and Southwold. 

Cllr Harsant was got to play bowls with students at Hollywells.Cllr Harsant got to play bowls with students at Holywells. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

On Friday, she got the chance to stay in her ward and came to the Holywells Bowling Club, where children from Cliff Lane School had been learning the sport for the past six weeks. 

Cllr Harsant said: "I've often been involved with what some of the students do and I have in the past been a governor at the school.

"So it's very close to my heart and today the school is celebrating the anniversary of its opening in 1939.

"This is a very special occasion and it is nice to see the teachers taking part and they seem even more enthusiastic than the students."

The students were dressed up to celebrate the school's 85th anniversary.The students were dressed up to celebrate the school's 85th anniversary. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Cliff Lane Primary School student have been spending time at Holywells Bowls Club for the past six weeks.Cliff Lane Primary School students have been spending time at Holywells Bowls Club for the past six weeks. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

She added that projects like these can help people across the generations come together - as students could play bowls with their grandparents over the summer break.

Cllr Harsant said there could be an opportunity for schools to work with care homes to bring generations together. 

She added: "It would certainly make the older people happy when they interact with young people."

After six weeks one team was presented with the trophy by the councillor.After six weeks one team was presented with the trophy by the councillor. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Over the past six weeks, the students here have been competing in groups of three, and on Friday a trophy was presented to the winning team by Cllr Harsant.

After a fun afternoon of bowls, the students enjoyed ice lollies.