AT least 50 giant crabs and lobsters are set to side-step their way through two north Norfolk towns next spring - and organisers are urging potential sponsors not to miss out.

AT least 50 giant crabs and lobsters are set to side-step their way through two north Norfolk towns next spring - and organisers are urging potential sponsors not to miss out.

Sheringham and Cromer's Crab and Lobster Festival will take over the town for three days in May, preceded by a seven-week sculpture trail, or Crustacea Crawl.

Schools, businesses, organisations and lobster lovers can sponsor one of the 3ft or 6ft creatures, which will be dotted around north Norfolk and auctioned off in aid of good causes following the festival.

With just a fortnight before the order books close, organisers are encouraging the undecided to get a move on and sign up for their very own giant crustacean.

Committee member John Morgan said the sight of lurid lobsters and colourful crabs taking over the streets next Easter would make many groups regret not sponsoring one.

He said: 'I'm convinced of that. Someone's going to see one and think 'that looks good,

I could have done that'. We always put off doing things.'

The town councils have already received 50 firm orders, with several others expected to come forward soon. So far, crabs outnumber lobsters by 30 to 19, with support from Cromer businesses and organisations edging ahead of Sheringham's.

Sponsors already on board include Jarrold, on Church Street in Cromer, Sheringham Town Council and the Cliftonville Hotel in Cromer.

The Crab and Lobster Festival is from May 21-23 and will include celebrity chef demonstrations, film screenings, side-ways running races and the first-ever World Pier Crabbing Championship.

To sponsor a crab or lobster call Sheringham Town Council on 01263 822213, e-mail clerk@shercouncil.go-plus.net, or Cromer Town Council on 01263 512254,

e-mail admin.cromertown@tiscali.co.uk

Details of another festival hitting the streets of Sheringham and Cromer next year have been revealed.

A nine-day Arts Festival will take place in the two towns and surrounding area from October 23 to 31.

Highlights will include glass workshops at the Belfry arts centre in Overstrand, a sculpture exhibition at Felbrigg Hall and the premier of Siri Taylor's Two Minutes of Your Time film. The movie is being created over the course of a year, with townsfolk filming two minute segments reflecting their version of the towns.

For more details visit www.casaf.co.uk