Football supporters urged to 'keep flying the flag' for West Norfolk

Ahead of the semi-final match against Croatia this evening, officers are praising West Norfolk fans for their excellent behaviour so far.

This comes after no arrests were made in connection with the football on Saturday and no one was given direction to leave notices.

Assistant chief constable Simon Megicks said: "We as a force are just excited as the rest of the country and are showing our support today by flying the St Georges flag at all stations with a flag pole.

"You have all done your country proud and I hope you keep flying the flag for Norfolk with good behaviour, an excellent atmosphere and tolerance as England face Croatia.

"If you are going out to watch the match tonight we want you to have a good time.

"Make sure you stick with your friends and plan your route home.

"If you're going to watch the match at a pub, pre-book safe transport home and do not accept lifts from strangers.

"Norfolk has specific policing plans in place surrounding the World Cup and officers will deal robustly with any issues.

"There will be an increased police presence during the match in the city and town centres but this is just to make sure everyone has a great time and behaves themselves.

"Remember, be responsible, stick with your friends and know your limits - most importantly have a great time.

"Come on England! It's coming home!”

Officers are also reminding people to think carefully before calling 999 and 101.

During the summer months and tournaments like this we see an increase in calls with the force receiving on average 969 phone calls every day.

Mr Megicks added: "It is crucial as a police service we are available when people need us, at all times.

"This is why I am urging members of the public to think carefully before calling us.

"The website has a wealth of information including answers to non-urgent queries as well as an alternative method of reporting crime and incidents via the online reporting tool.”

And England's achievements in the World Cup has inspired a name change for one of Lynn's town centre roundabouts.

The Southgates Roundabout is now known as the 'Gareth Southgates Roundabout' with Norfolk County Council leader Andrew Proctor calling KL.FM this morning to confirm the news.

Speaking to presenter Simon Rowe, Mr Proctor said: “I heard what you're talking about and this is an absolutely fantastic idea.We are very happy to support this.

"Think it through too, it could be worth that extra goal that gets us through.

"Gareth Southgate is a pretty modest man and I am sure he would approve of this himself.

"Let's try to get this information to him to try and give the boys a gee up for tonight."

KL.FM's Charles Dennett said: “We are delighted that Norfolk County Council have let us rename one of the biggest roundabouts in our area in honour of Gareth Southgate.

“A huge amount of credit also has to go to East Coast Signs who worked with us on this, we wouldn’t have had the brilliant signs up and ready for the semi final if it weren’t for them.

"People have been joking with us about the roundabout for weeks but we thought the time had come to make it happen.

"We are passionate about what matters to our community and what better way to have a bit of fun and put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s coming home!”