Hopes of persuading rail chiefs to build a new station on the edge of Norwich, and run more trains on north Norfolk's Bittern Line have edged a little nearer.

North Norfolk District Council's (NNDC) cabinet is recommending giving £15,000 towards a more detailed study on the moves.

If realised, councillors heard the developments would be a huge boon to north Norfolk's economy, opening up new job and travel opportunities.

A preliminary study commissioned by Broadland District Council (BDC) found that, after costs, the changes would bring benefits of £15.5m and attract an estimated extra 190,000 passengers a year.

The station would be built at the Broadland Business Park site and, hand-in-hand, supporters also want a half-hourly peak-time service on the Norwich to North Walsham section of the Bittern Line, which runs as far as Sheringham. The current service is hourly.

NNDC's cabinet recommendation follows an approach from BDC for cash towards a technical study and an offer to join a Bittern Line Improvements Project Board.

Supporting the recommendations, Judy Oliver, deputy leader of NNDC, said: 'Obviously improved transport links are key to the development of north Norfolk and very important to residents too.'