The decorating has started on a collection of mini beach huts for the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festivals' art trail.

North Norfolk News: Manger Christian Bulch, of the Sabre Fishing tackle shop in Cromer with his model Lifeboat house for the Crab and Lobster festival art trail. Picture: MARK BULLIMOREManger Christian Bulch, of the Sabre Fishing tackle shop in Cromer with his model Lifeboat house for the Crab and Lobster festival art trail. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

One exciting edition to the trail is paying homage to the iconic lifeboat station situated at the end of Cromer pier.

The model station, which was made by Christian Bulch, even comes complete with a motorised lifeboat to slide down the ramp.

Mr Bulch, manager of Sabre Tackle in Cromer, said: 'I had so many ideas for the beach hut, so many are just decorated so I wanted to do something a bit different. I am a good supporter of the RNLI and I looked at the lifeboat station and thought I'd do that.

'It has a latch at the top so it will drop down, probably into someone's pond. As the shop is quiet this time of year it has given me more time to utilise my brain!'

The lifeboat station stands at about 50cm high and 35cm wide, altogether including the stilts it is about 70cm high.

New shop owners, Alex and Alex Hannah, are also jumping on the trend and will have a tiny beach hut in their shop soon.

It is being decorated by Cromer nursery, Gnomes Preschool, on Overstrand Road, which is where their daughter goes.

The shop, which is called New2you will be open on March 12 on West Street and will sell pre-loved and new baby/toddler clothes, toys and accessories.

The huts are being made by north Norfolk charity About With Friends, which works with children, young people and adults with learning difficulties.

Once made, the 60-100 huts will be sponsored and decorated by businesses, artists, groups and individuals - then placed in locations in and between the two towns to form next year's art trail, which will run from Easter until the end of August.

The 2016 festival will open with a variety show at Cromer's Pier Pavilion Theatre on Friday May 20. Then, over the weekend of May 21-22, there will be stalls, activities and entertainment in Cromer and Sheringham. It is designed to promote the food and traditions of the two towns.

Last year's trail comprised 100 decorated ship's wheels. In August, the wheels were auctioned off, raising £5,000.