Prime Minister David Cameron has given backing to a regional daily’s campaign for a major trunk road upgrade on its patch in an interview with the paper.

The Eastern Daily Press wants to see improvements to the A47 which links Great Yarmouth with the Midlands included in the Chancellor’s next autumn statement, setting out public expenditure plans.

In a visit to the paper last week, Mr Cameron stopped short of an outright commitment, but admitted the upgrade was “crucial.”

It came just over a week after the EDP ran a front page headline “Yes we Cam”, calling for action on the A47 trunk road which stretches from Great Yarmouth into the Midlands last week.

Prime Minister David Cameron meets EDP staff on his visit to the paper's Norwich headquarters

Mr Cameron told the paper:  “The A47 is crucial. It is particularly crucial for Lowestoft to be included in that. I think is a very important programme.

“Let’s make sure it happens faster than the A11 did. These things do take time, but it is important to get on with it.”

Editor Nigel Pickover said the paper’s political editor, Annabelle Dickson, would now be “keeping a watch” on government pledges over dualling of the key strategic route.

Mr Cameron also hailed communities in Norfolk and Suffolk for rallying around to help those affected by last month’s floods in East Anglia, as the EDP appeal to help those affected soared to more than £180,000.

Added Nigel:  “David Cameron came to Norfolk on the day we launched our appeal for Norfolk and Lowestoft flood victims in December.

“He backed our campaign then and was thrilled that six weeks later we had raised close to £200,000 with half of it already helping victims.”