Cromer entertainer Keith Skipper has added a rap song to his repertoire as he helps to raise awareness of an upcoming pioneering election.

The Norfolk dialect champion more usually linked musically to the Singing Postman features in a video promoting the November 15 contest for a new county police and crime commissioner.

He has taken on the guise of Duzzy Raskel to pen and perform a ground-breaking Norfolk Rap filmed in a series of locations around the county.

'It's a serious subject …. but we feel a lighter touch with that distinctive Norfolk flavour helps get the message across' he explained.

'I've never done anything like this before ... something I have in common with most candidates and voters on November 15.'

Chris Harding, chief executive of the current Norfolk Police Authority, said the video came as part of a campaign to raise public awareness, adding: 'I hope that today's launch of the Duzzy Raskel rap helps raise awareness in Norfolk. Like it or not, it carries the clear message that things are going to change and that it is important to the people who have a vote in Norfolk that they seek to raise their and their friends awareness of it and know of the date for the election.'

Five candidates, including two with north Norfolk connections, have so far stepped forward in a bid to become Norfolk's first ever police and crime commissioner.

Reepham county councillor James Joyce is the latest to throw his hat into the ring for the elections on November 15.

He will represent the Liberal Democrats after winning a postal ballot among local party members, and is stepping down from the Norfolk Police Authority after seven years to join the contest.

Conservative candidate is former army colonel Jamie Athill, who was educated at Gresham's School before his Service career. Former Norwich City Council leader, Steve Morphew, is Labour's candidate.

Former Norfolk Police Authority chairman Stephen Bett and Mervyn Lambert, who runs a Garboldisham-based plant hire, sales, rental and servicing firm are standing as independents.

The closing date for candidates is October 19.

To see the video visit www.northnorfolknews24.co.uk