Although many do not consider Labour to be in the race up in north Norfolk, Phil Harris is keen to remind people not to write him off.The Cromer father-of-two is fighting the seat for the second time after coming third behind the Lib Dems and Conservatives in 2005 with just under 5,500 votes.

Although many do not consider Labour to be in the race up in north Norfolk, Phil Harris is keen to remind people not to write him off.

The Cromer father-of-two is fighting the seat for the second time after coming third behind the Lib Dems and Conservatives in 2005 with just under 5,500 votes.

But although some see the north Norfolk election as a two-horse race between the top two parties last time round, Mr Harris still believes it is possible for him to turn the seat red for the first time since the 1970s.

The 56-year-old, who was born in Bishop Stortford, has been pounding the streets, aiming to remind voters what his party has done for the county over the last 13 years.

That includes introducing Sure Start centres like those at Wells, Holt and Mundesley.

And Mr Harris believes protecting and expanding those services, as well as providing a new National Care Service - as set out in his party's recent social care reform White Paper - and getting more affordable housing in the area will be key issues for the area's voters.

Despite throwing himself into campaigning over the past couple of weeks, the businessman has still made sure he has time for Norwich City Football Club.

He recently travelled to London for the match against Charlton to see the team guarantee promotion back into the Championship.

As well as a keen football supporter, Mr Harris - who is also a member of the Co-operative Party - spends much of his time outside of work as a member of a number of organisations.

The Cromer town councillor is a director of Norfolk chamber of commerce and chairman of the Cromer community association.