An insurance firm is hoping to make a splash after it opened its first Norfolk branch in Cromer today (Tuesday).

Saffron Insurance is based in Saffron Walden, Essex, but also has five other offices in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

The latest office in Bond Street - in the former Horatio clothes shop - is being headed up by manager Will Howett, 50, from Roughton.

Mr Howett has worked in insurance for the past 30 years and previously worked for the Norwich and Peterborough Insurance Cromer branch.

Norwich and Peterborough Insurance was sold to Towergate Brokers in December last year.

Mr Howett said: 'We are working from a blank piece of paper so we are looking to offer the north Norfolk area an office where people can talk us face to face.

'We are looking to offer something that the internet and a lot of other companies don't provide.

'We want to give people the peace of mind that if they have a problem they can see us and if they ring up they can talk to the same person each time.'

He added: 'It is an exciting challenge. I know Saffron is very much geared up to getting involved with the community. It likes to get involved in community activities.'

Currently Mr Howett, who has been heavily involved with sport in Cromer, will be the only permanent staff member.

But he said he would receive temporary support from existing staff from the Saffron Walden office.

'We anticipate we will be looking to take on other staff as and when the business grows,' he added.

The Cromer branch will initially provide car, household and commercial insurance.

Mr Howett said it was hoped the Norfolk branch could expand into the commercial market.

He added the firm had been looking to open offices in Norfolk for some time, but it was a matter of seeing how successful the branch was before it looked into other towns in the county.

'So far I have had very positive feedback from former customers who have said they want to join us,' Mr Howett said.

Saffron can provide insurance for a range of businesses, from independent businesses to large manufacturers.

For more information ring Mr Howett on 01263 586125 or email willh@saffroninsurance.co.uk.