A new �1bn windfarm off north Norfolk is set for a royal opening next month - with a prince from across the North Sea.

The 88 turbines at the Sheringham Shoal about 20km of the coast are complete and the project due to become operational next month.

An official opening will be carried out by the Crown Prince of Norway - home of co-developers Statoil and Stakraft - towards the end of September.

The news was announced by North Norfolk District Chief executive Sheila Oxtoby as she outlined the multi billion pound investments and developments taking place in the area which was attracting national and international recognition.

A second �1.5bn windfarm, at Dudgeon 32km off Cromer, with 160 turbines and generating enough power for up to 400,000 homes is due to be operational from late 2015. It was expected to create 100 new full time jobs as well as 'numerous spin-offs' during construction.'

Developers Warwick Energy were due to meet the council in the coming week to discuss 'a strategic approach to maximise the benefit of this investment.'

Mrs Oxtoby also recapped on a �2.4m grant to kickstart redevelopment of the HL Foods site at North Walsham, and a �340,000 financing of a factory extension at Fakenham to secure and create jobs.

There was also a �2.4m investment to safeguard the local fishing industry, a �1.2m revamp of cromer Pier, �10m Cromer sea defence scheme - and two new public toilet blocks bringing the area's total to more than 40.

The overview was given during a reception for guests held at Holkham Hall by chairman John Perry-Warnes.