COUNCILLOR Jeremy Friend-Smith, chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, told guests at his chairman s reception at Ely s Maltings last Friday that the district faced a bright and exciting future. More than 150 representatives from local organi

COUNCILLOR Jeremy Friend-Smith, chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, told guests at his chairman's reception at Ely's Maltings last Friday that the district faced a bright and exciting future.

More than 150 representatives from local organisations and businesses, neighbouring civic authorities, healthcare trusts, the police, fire, ambulance and military services and other guests attended the annual event.

Among those attending were Cambridgeshire's Lord Lieutenant, seven mayors, the commanders of the United States Air Force units based at RAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath, representatives from East Cambridgeshire's parish councils, and senior executives from the district's businesses, public services and media organisations.

Cllr Friend-Smith told guests that East Cambridgeshire was rated one of the top six districts in Britain for quality of life, but that it was also the fastest-growing district in the country outside of the city of London, and that the challenge to the council was to balance the two accolades.

Cllr Friend-Smith said: "East Cambridgeshire may be one of the smallest districts in England, but it is clearly an area of opportunity to which many people are attracted.

New housing, new jobs and new possibilities are springing up all around us. It is by working in partnership so successfully with local organisations, represented by many of our welcome guests here this evening, that we go forward into that bright future with confidence and enthusiasm."

During the evening, guests were entertained by young musicians from the City of Ely Community College's orchestra.

A prize draw raised £550 for Cambridgeshire St John Ambulance's Waterwing Club, which aims to provide a specially adapted river boat to allow the elderly and those with disabilities and serious illnesses to enjoy day trips on the river.