Council uses joke phrase to promote county

A council is to employ the joke phrase "normal for Norfolk" as part of a campaign to promote the county.

Comedians have traditionally used the phrase to suggest that people from Norfolk are stupid and behind the times.

But Norfolk County Council's is launching an advertising campaign with a tag-line saying "World Class is Normal for Norfolk" and aims to promote the area as a holiday destination and business base.

"Norfolk has historically suffered from outdated perceptions and stereotypes reinforced by the likes of Alan Partridge and Jeremy Clarkson - and even Noel Coward," said a council spokesman.

"Now we are turning the old stereotype 'Normal for Norfolk' - a phrase formerly used to denigrate the county and its inhabitants - on its head and using it as branding in a major campaign to position the county as a world-class place to work."