The project could see the popular resort given the new identity of Hunstanton St Edmund, which was the original name suggested by Henry Styleman Le Strange as part of his proposals for a new village alongside the cliffs in the 1840s and '50s.

Although work did not start until around 1861 the original name was retained until 1893, when it became known as New Hunstanton.

A small working group is now leading the campaign for a change in name and has organised a petition to gauge public reaction to the idea.

John Smith, one of the campaign organisers, said: "The original name of Hunstanton St Edmund was retained until the town gained urban district status in 1893.

"At this time the newly-formed council decided to re-name the town as New Hunstanton to distinguish it from the separate village of Old Hunstanton.

"Apart from debating a change in the name to Hunstanton-on-Sea in the 1920s the name New Hunstanton has survived, except that it is invariably reduced to Hunstanton when written."

The campaign group has argued the name New Hunstanton is now out-dated and that a change would help preserve the Victorian heritage of the town.

The link with St Edmund traces back to 855 AD, when the 14-year-old landed in Hunstanton as a prince before being crowned King of East Anglia a year later.

The legacy of St Edmund features prominently in the resort as his image is included on the town sign at The Green, while two churches fall under his patronage. He was Patron Saint of England, prior to St George, and spent a year in Hunstanton studying the Book of Psalms.

Discussions regarding the possible name change have already been held with the town council, who have agreed to defer any decision for six months so the petition can be completed and a full consultation carried out.

In November Hunstanton staged the first Edfest festival with art exhibitions, plays and re-enactments, competitions and services held to celebrate the life of St Edmund.

l What do you think?

Is it time for a change? Should a new name reflect Hunstanton's history, or look more to the future? Or is it pointless meddling? Write to: The editor, Lynn News, Limes House, Purfleet Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1HL, email him at malcolm.powell@lynnnews.co.uk or leave your comment at our website www.lynnnews.co.uk