National journalists are being lured to Cromer to help promote a positive picture of the resort town to the nation.

An initiative by the local chamber of trade aims to host six to 10 press trips for writers from newspapers and magazines.

Chamber members will host the journalists trips between March and June under the �2,500 scheme being driven by public relations company Crocodile.

There will also be press releases flagging up the town's food, culture, history and travel attractions, and weekly late deal offers through local hotels.

Chamber president Peter Stibbons said the campaign aimed to result in 'a positive image emerging in the national press.'

The campaign was outlined to the annual meeting of the chamber, which also heard how tourism promotion was changing.

Chairman of the North Norfolk Tourism Forum Robert Simmons outlined the growing importance of websites and social media, with 80pc of bookings and accommodation inquiries were now done on-line.

Although star and crown ratings were important, people now heavily relied on website reviews when seeking recommendations for hotels, and holiday sites.

There was also a need for local business and communities to market themselves as regional tourist boards slimmed down.

Upcoming issues highlighted at the annual meeting also included concern over possible loss of shops to flat conversions, plans to re-think the policy on displaying A board advertising on pavements, and moves to ensure the town streets were well gritted in icy weather through local initiatives and advice given to traders on the guidelines for DIY clearance outside their premises.

Chamber membership had increased to nearly 80, and more people had been recruited to the committee, added Mr Stibbons who was re-elected president.

Anyone wanting to learn more about, or join, the chamber should contact secretary Tracey Khalil at Foundations estate agents 34 Church Street, 01263 511919 or visit the website www.thisiscromer.co.uk