The top stories which made The Journal headlines in 2018

Former John Leman School pupil Amber Butchart, who is presenting her own programme on BBC Four -A Stich In Time. Picture: BBC/Matchlight Production (Image: BBC/Matchlight Production)

In the first part, we look back at the period between January and April.

JANUARY

The former Oulton Medical Centre opens as a new Otium Centre day care facility.

An aerial view of the proposed design for Cefas' new ?16m Lowestoft base. Image courtesy of Cefas. (Image: Archant)

Fashion Historian Amber Butchart made her presenting debut on TV's 'A Stitch In Time.'

CEFAS received a major £1.4million funding boost to renovate its site.

FEBRUARY

Tod Sullivan with Fran Read, Sharon Edmonds, John Durrant and Ivan Humble as they discuss the inaugural Lowestoft conference.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant (C) 2018)

Lowestoft mental health ambassador Tod Sullivan launches inaugural conference.

The formation of a 'Super District Council' was approved by Sajid Javid.

The popular annual pancake race won by a team from Drives 4U.

MARCH

Ray Herring, leader of Suffolk Coastal, with Rt Hon Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for communities and local government and Mark Bee, leader of Waveney District Council, at a recent meeting ahead of the decision. Picture: Courtesy of Suffolk Coastal District Council. (Image: Archant)

Beast from the East wreaked havoc across the district.

Nine-year-old Stroke survivor Lily Dewbery completed a 5km charity run.

Work starts on the major new Gateway development on the South Lowestoft Industrial Estate.

Myles Penfold, Connor Marshall and Matt Roberts from team Drives 4 U win the Lowestoft 2018 pancake race.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant (C) 2018)

APRIL

Hundreds of people flocked to the first ever Cycle Sportive at Southwold.

Remains of a shipwreck was found at Covehithe.

A new light rescue fire engine was unveiled at Wrentham.

The Beast from the East has covered Lowestoft with a blanket of thick snow. Photo: Jeyan Chandra. (Image: Archant)

Lily Dewbery is set to to run the 5K Resolution Run in aid of the Stroke Association. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant (C) 2018)

The Gateway Retail Park will include a drive-through Costa, Aldi, The Range and Subway. Image: Urban Edge Architecture. (Image: Archant)

The Southwold Cycle Sportive Photo: Julian Claxton Photography (Image: Julian Claxton)

Photos of the wreck on the Covehithe coast. Picture: Linzi Everett (Image: Archant)

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service launch the first Light Rescue Pump (LRP) that will be based at Wrentham Fire Station.The Wrentham fire crew with Paul Field and chief fire officer Mark Hardingham.Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant (C) 2018)