Lovers of the Norfolk dialect are being urged to attend an annual celebration of the county's mother tongue in April.

Cromer is hosting the long-standing Norfolk Dialect night which has been part of the local festival of music, dance and speech for more than 30 years.

The night of prose, poetry, squit and entertainment is at the parish hall on Tuesday April 24 from 7.30pm.

The first half of the evening sees allcomers reading out works written in dialect, such as the Boy John Letters, and given feedback by adjudicator Colin Burleigh - a past chairman of the Friends of the Norfolk Dialect, who help organise the event.

After the interval the stage is open to people to do their 'party pieces' in song, comedy or verse, said Derek Paul, who co-ordinates the evening. As well as have-a-go members of the public, acts would include local entertainers well-known for their comic dialect routines such as Keith Loads, Pat Nearney and Mr Burleigh.

'It is a good fun evening that is helping to keep the Norfolk dialect alive. We have people of all ages taking part from youngsters to those in their 90s,' he added.

Admission is �2 on the door.

? Anyone wanting to take part can get more details and a syllabus from Rosemary Cooper on 01362 697628, or call Mr Paul on 01263 579688.