Norfolk County Council leader George Nobbs has headed to Brussels to raise the county's profile and to secure as much European Union cash as possible.

Mr Nobbs, who is cabinet member for economic development, as well as being leader at County Hall, said he intends to bang the drum for Norfolk on his three-day visit.

In July, Norfolk County Council was named as managing authority for a 350m Euro cross-border programme between England and France.

Norfolk takes over the France (Channel) England INTEREG programme in January and was hailed as an opportunity to get Norfolk's name in the frame for other funding.

Mr Nobbs said: 'I am determined we should secure as much EU funding for Norfolk as possible, so I will leave no stone unturned - the need has never been greater.

'We need a better understanding of EU funding programmes to raise our success rate. We also need to strengthen relations with Flanders.

'There were times when East Anglia had stronger links with the Low Countries than with some parts of the UK, and I am convinced that we can benefit commercially, culturally and educationally if we can rebuild that relationship.'

His trip includes the European Parliament, meetings with the East of England European Parliament Team and a meeting at the Flemish Parliament.