Ed FossOne week after the launch of next year's crab and lobster trail for Cromer and Sheringham, there are 13 confirmed people and groups sponsoring crustaceans, serious interest from a dozen more and in excess of 20 shops, offices and pubs thinking about joining.Ed Foss

One week after the launch of next year's crab and lobster trail for Cromer and Sheringham, there are 13 confirmed people and groups sponsoring crustaceans, serious interest from a dozen more and more than 20 shops, offices and pubs thinking about joining.

The giant sculptures will be a key part of the first Crab and Lobster Festival in the two towns next May.

Organisers said those definitely taking part included the RNLI, the two North Norfolk council tourist information centres and Graham Burdett at Cromer Carpets, who planned to have two creatures.

John Morgan, one of the festival organisers, said: "It looks like we could be over halfway to our target of 60 in both towns, and that's a fantastic response in just a week.

"Local traders, pubs and businesses of all sorts realise that next year's Crustacea Crawl will really put the spotlight on both towns and their own businesses. There's also been a great response from local artists, schools and groups like the Guides and Scouts."

Festival organisers will be encouraging more traders to sign up over the next few weeks, as the order has to be placed for the models by mid-November.

Mr Morgan said: "We want to see as many lurid lobsters and colourful crabs in both towns as possible, and we don't want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to have their very own model."

The Crustacea Crawl map will not be published until early April, but some decorated crabs and lobsters might start appearing in March or even February, said Mr Morgan.

For more details contact

Cromer Town Council on 01263 512254 or admin.cromertown@

tiscali.co.uk or Sheringham Town Council on 01263 822213; clerk@shercouncil.go-plus.net