Eleven unemployed young people have completed a new Cromer-based Prince's Trust course to help them into the commercial fishing industry.

The youth charity's course provided the chance for young people to receive training from a number of qualified professionals.

The group visited Bywater Shellfish in East Runton where they saw how crabs and lobsters were stored and processed, as well as French's Fish and Chips shop at Wells where owner Marcus French talked about sustainable fish and how the shop runs.

There was also hands-on experience at Jonas Seafood's new crab and lobster-processing factory in Cromer, the Three Cottages Fish and Chip shop in North Walsham, and joining fishermen at sea.

Course members also learned crab dressing, making crab pots and trawl nets, basic health and safety, sea survival, fire fighting and First Aid, as well as introductory courses in engine maintenance, navigation, stability and boat handling – providing a solid foundation for a career in the industry.

The course was part funded by the North Norfolk FLAG Fisheries Local Action Group whose chairman John Lee said: 'The long term sustainability of this fishery depends upon young people coming into our industry, so this is a very important initiative.'