Cromer Town is set to become one of the first community-owned football clubs in Norfolk – after fans gave their unanimous support for the project, which should give them a greater say on how their club is run.

The new-look committee, which took over the Anglian Combination Division One side this summer, invited James Mathie, Head of England & Wales and Club Development at Supporters Direct, to discuss the benefits of the new model at a public meeting at Cabbell Park on Wednesday.

It is hoped the proposal could help the club become more sustainable by building closer links with the local community which in turn could help attract grant funding, and facilitate its move to a new ground.

Mr Mathie said: 'People need to take note that this club is rebuilding and we want people to get behind it and value the fact that the town has a football club to ensure it has a bright future.'

The meeting heard plans for a new 300 home development on land off Norwich Road in Cromer could include sports pitches to accommodate the town's senior and youth sides.

Philip Harris, vice-chairman of Cromer Town FC and a town councillor, said: 'I think the principle of becoming a community-owned football club with a possibility of a new pitch and everything else is actually going to move the whole of football, not just for the main team, but for youth football, women's football, for people just wanting to come and get involved with football, it's going to be a massive boost to the town.'