Some of the famous names who have added polish to the 'Gem of the Norfolk coast' could be honoured with blue plaques.

Discussions are underway to launch a scheme to put up the plaques in and around Cromer, to remember those who have made a significant contribution to its history - and to educate locals and visitors about the town's heritage.

A discussion paper has been written by local publisher and historian Peter Stibbons, and will go before Cromer Town Council on Monday evening.

Mr Stibbons said: 'A number of towns now award and place their own blue plaques. The extension of the national scheme a few years ago never actually seemed to happen and towns have taken their own initiatives.

'The primary reasons seem to be to promote interest in town history and to prompt further enquiries about local history, which has benefits in respect of education and fostering a sense of community.

'The provision of such plaques undoubtedly generates interest from visitors.'

He added: 'The intention would be, with permission, to place the plaques on the principal dwellings or places of work - or, where such is not known, another appropriate spot - associated with that person while living in the town.'

Mr Stibbons suggested the criteria for a blue plaque should include:

? That the person is dead

? That the person was born or grew up in the town, or achieved their major distinction while living there

? That they have achieved positive national, regional or local distinction.

He put forward a list of those named as 'notable persons of Cromer' on the website encyclopaedia Wikipedia, those named in the book A Dictionary of Cromer and Overstrand History, plus some of his own suggestions.

Mr Stibbons said a 'small committee' should be formed to make a list, and that names should be submitted to the committee for consideration, including an outline of why they should receive a plaque.

He suggested the committee should comprise two town councillors, a representative from the Friends of Cromer Museum, a member of the Cromer Preservation Society, a member of the Cromer Society, the town museum curator, the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum curator and a couple of co-optees.