Self-professed Norfolk girl Lucy Downing said she wanted to 'shout about the wonderful area of north Norfolk' after being appointed the new brand manager at its tourism body.

The 35-year-old took up the role at Visit North Norfolk on April 1 after two years as Visit East Anglia's partnership manager.

The news was announced today, and Mrs Downing said she was excited for the creativity of her new role.

She said: 'This really is the most beautiful area in the world, 80pc of people who visit Norfolk return.

'Quite a lot of people don't know about the area but it is so wonderful they come back.

'Membership is key and engaging with businesses is very important.'

Born in Norwich, Mrs Downing grew up in Aylsham where she attended the town's high school and went on to study media and film journalism at the University of East Anglia.

She met husband Robert, a farmer, at a young farmer's ball and they live in Reepham with their two children Liberty, five, and Ralph, eight.

Mrs Downing, who was previously marketing manager at Jarrold's retail in Norwich, said her secret to success was to treat work as though it was her own business.

She said: 'I bring it home with me, it is part of my life.'

And with her husband's family farm set in rural north Norfolk, she said she is here to stay.

Mrs Downing said knowing the area well was useful as well as organising networking events and an interactive website.

She said: 'You do care about the area that you live - I have always stayed in Norfolk and spend a lot of time on the beach.'

'My focus will be to engage with businesses, and work with them to promote north Norfolk in the most inventive and effective ways possible.

'I couldn't ask for a better place to work in and promote, and am eager to start developing and delivering campaign activity'

Mrs Downing has also worked as marketing manager for Norfolk Country Cottages, Suffolk Secrets and Freedom Holiday Homes in Kent.

Do you have an interesting tourism story in north Norfolk? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk.