They included representatives from dozens of businesses, community leaders and other invited guests.

The aim – like that of the campaign, which is now in its fourth week – was to highlight all the good things about the town.

Welcoming guests to the event, Lord Phillips of Sudbury reminded them of how special their town was – with riverside meadows to rival those of Oxford and Cambridge, three Gothic churches and a host of other historic buildings.

Editor Mark Crossley said: "The Free Press has been here for more than 150 years and will be here for many more. It's had many editors and many owners, but the constant factors have been its good name and the town it continues to serve.

"We report much good news every week about the great people here but it's about time we made a real song and dance about all there is to be proud of – all that so many take for granted."

The campaign, sponsored by Bates, Wells and Braithwaite solicitors, highlights Sudbury's independent shops and services, thriving market, unsung heroes and buoyant tourism industry.

Deputy mayor Debbie Thomas put in a special word for the young people of the town who, she said, were often unfairly maligned.