Plans to convert a disused toilet block on Cromer prom into an important hub for promoting water safety have taken a step forward.

The North Norfolk Surf Life Saving Club and the Glide Surf School want to set up headquarters, including an RNLI training base in the building.

There has been a campaign for some time to get the go-ahead for the conversion, but now the plans have taken a leap forward with the news that the centre could be up and running by Easter next year.

A spokesman for North Norfolk District Council said district and town councillors had met with the two clubs on Monday and everyone seemed happy with the proposals for turning the old toilet block into two new units with associated facilities, giving the two clubs bases to operate from.

He added: 'The next step is for us to consult with other groups that have an interest in the seafront, with a view to getting a planning application submitted in the next five or six weeks.

'Hopefully the units will then be operational from Easter next year, in good time for the 2011 holiday season.'