A local historian who has spent decades amassing a vast collection of Diss memorabilia hopes to add to the thousands he has already raised for charity with his latest nostalgic calendar.

Diss Mercury: The 2021 calendar in aid of the Big C includes dozens of images from the history of Diss. Picture: Dennis CrossThe 2021 calendar in aid of the Big C includes dozens of images from the history of Diss. Picture: Dennis Cross (Image: Archant)

Dennis Cross, a retired carpenter, has lived and worked in Diss all his life collects postcards, photographs and newspaper clippings which show how the town has changed through the years.

Months of work have gone into selecting images dating back to 1865 for his third charity calendar, which includes a front cover dedicated to Diss Market Place, as well as pictures ranging from the town's first postal van to Diss railway station shire horses.

Mr Cross said: "Every month has got a different theme. Every page has several pictures. For people who have lived in Diss for many years it will bring back lots of memories. Their grandparents might be on some of the pictures. There different views of places that have since been knocked down and no longer exist. The public seem to love it."

His 2017 calendar raised £2,300 for Norfolk cancer charity the Big C and Mr Cross hopes to top that this year. "Lots of people have either had cancer or know someone who has been affected, family or friends, so it is such an important cause," he said.

The £10 calendar is on sale at Photo Elite on Market Hill, Diss Garden Centre, Premier Stores on Skelton Road, and Leslie Ward Gifts on Church Street. They are available via post from Mr Cross on 01379 651897.