The Conservative's north Norfolk candidate is confident he can not only make up some of the acres of ground lost by his party in 2005, but even challenge his big rival in the area's 'two horse race'.

The Conservative's north Norfolk candidate is confident he can not only make up some of the acres of ground lost by his party in 2005, but even challenge his big rival in the area's 'two horse race'.

Trevor Ivory sees his performance on May 6 within a national context. He said: 'North Norfolk is not just a seat I can win, it is a seat I must win.'

For the father-of-one, who moved to Norfolk to study, winning will help his party into the country's driving seat.

In that spirit, he is also convinced that by electing an MP who will be part of a Conservative government, his voters will see more progress on issues than a representative in opposition would achieve.

Mr Ivory expects constituents to be most concerned about the NHS, how it is run and who by, the availability of affordable housing - which he describes as 'dire' in north Norfolk - and defending the area's coastline against erosion.

Although living in North Walsham, he has had his work cut out making a name for himself in the constituency after his job as a solicitor took him to Cambridge and left him facing a hefty daily commute.

Unlike most his fellow north Norfolk candidates, Mr Ivory also lacks the advantage of having a political history having not represented the area at town, district or county level.

Yet, despite that, the Tory feels he has worked hard to raise his profile since being selected by his party in 2006.

As well as maintaining his website, Twitter feed and Facebook page, the UEA alumnus has campaigned on a number on issues in the area - including that of public toilets which earned him the nickname 'Toilet Trev'.

Now taking a break from work to concentrate on his campaign, he will no doubt be wanting to raise his profile further among those voters who still consider him a rather quiet candidate.