Davenport's Magic Kingdom, a potential major visitor attraction in north Norfolk, has taken a major step towards realisation.

The scheme, for the former Crane Fruehauf site on Cromer Road, North Walsham, has been given planning approval by North Norfolk District Council following long delays, partly caused by now-resolved drainage problems.

North Walsham-based magician Roy Davenport wants to convert the site into a world-class magic museum and entertainment complex based on a historic family collection which dates back 110 years.

Mr Davenport said the family was thrilled at the news and was on course to open the magic museum next year.

'We have decided on a phased opening schedule, starting with a museum and caf� and later expanding from an initial 70-seat theatre to 350 seats,' he said.

The site, on the town's north-western edge, is next to the new Waitrose supermarket, which is due to open on November 29.