A town celebrated its rich history at a weekend of events.

Diss Mercury: Eye council chamber is opened up for a reception hosted by the town's mayor Caroline Byles after Anglela Kilmartin (beige hat)donated some of her ancestor the artist Mendham's paintings. Pictured is Lord Deben. by: Sonya DuncanEye council chamber is opened up for a reception hosted by the town's mayor Caroline Byles after Anglela Kilmartin (beige hat)donated some of her ancestor the artist Mendham's paintings. Pictured is Lord Deben. by: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant norfolk)

A series of personal portraits of the historic Eye artist Robert Mendham - donated by Angela Kilmartin, one of his ancestors - was unveiled at Eye Town Hall as part of the town's heritage weekend.

Historical character walks around the town also took place, while resident Joy Evitt exhibited a collection of Victorian sewing machines and The Bank arts venue staged a portrait exhibition, as well as children's activities.

Eye's churches were open for people to look around, while guided tours of Eye Castle also took place.

Former Conservative cabinet minister and Suffolk MP Lord Deben was one of the speakers as the paintings of Robert Mendham were unveiled on Saturday.

Roz Barnett, clerk at Eye Town Council, said the weekend had helped demonstrate the rich and varied history of the area.

'We held a similar event last year but this was a much bigger event,' she said.

'Eye is a really unique town, built around a medieval castle, and we've got fantastic examples of architecture around the town.

'People brought in different things for display, so it was a real opportunity to get these things out into the open.'

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