Councillors have today revealed their hopes to create a 'Freedom of Norfolk' honour to recognise exceptional achievements or service to the county.

People or groups could be in line for the award, as Norfolk County Council attempts to follow similar honours handed out in Norwich, King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth.

Conservative county councillors backed the idea at today's cabinet meeting, but insisted there should not be an annual quota of people who receive the accolade.

Derrick Murphy, county council leader, told today's meeting: 'At the moment it's possible to be a freeman of the city of Norwich, you be a freeman of the borough of King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth but there's not a reward for someone representing the whole of Norfolk.

'The idea is to create a new category in which a person or entity can be given the freedom of Norfolk.

'I know for instance, if you take King's Lynn or Great Yarmouth, the award of that honour has gone to units of the armed forces.'

Bill Borrett, deputy leader and cabinet member for waste and the environment, said: 'I think it would be fitting for us to have the ability to award the honour to people who have contributed to the county over and above the norm.'

Alison Thomas, cabinet member for children's services, also supported the concept and added: 'I would like to suggest perhaps it be something rather than say we award a certain number of people the Freedom of Norfolk per year, but it would be quite special so it would only be awarded if someone has done something exceptional.'

• Norwich City Football Club? RAF Marham? The Big C? Let us know who you think should have the honour bestowed upon them by leaving your comments below.