Sheringham town councillors were asked to reconsider a grant application for a coastal art festival.

Volunteers behind this year's Cromer and Sheringham Art and Literary Festival (Coast) applied for money from the council but the request was turned down on March 4.

Councillors praised the festival, which runs from October 24-November 2, but decided not to award any money because the event made a £6,000 profit.

Janet Farrow, finance officer for COAST, appealed to councillors to reconsider at a meeting last night.

She said: 'We were disappointed not to get the grant this year. It is important that COAST has endorsement from Cromer and Sheringham as it was set up as a joint initiative between the two towns.

'We will not give awards to other charities. We believe the most important aspect of the festival is to provide events which would otherwise not be available.'

The festival will be run on a £15,000 budget and events will include films at Sheringham Little Theatre, a photograph exhibition at the Muckleburgh Military Collection, walks along the heritage coastline and a commemoration of the First World War.

Councillors heard it was enjoyed by families and attracted repeat visitors to the area.

The festival started five years ago and last year received a £1,500 grant from the council.

It has been awarded £2,000 from Cromer Town Council for this year.

A discussion to rescind the decision, or not, will only be made after three signatures have been received from three Sheringham councillors.