The UK Independence Party has set its sights on winning a seat on Norwich City Council, after emergency meetings this week saw the two city branches merged.

The Norwich North and Norwich South branches have amalgamated to form UKIP Norwich, chaired by former Norwich North parliamentary candidate Glenn Tingle.

Mr Tingle said: 'The new branch will be much more robust in its approach to city elections, standing candidates in every ward.

'There is a real following for UKIP in Norwich and this has not been tapped into yet. With a more positive approach and campaigning in every ward we believe we can change people's views – not just about the negative effects Europe and excessive immigration has in our community but how a UKIP representation in City Hall would benefit everyone in Norwich.'

UKIP fielded seven candidates in last month's city council elections, where 15 seats were available.