The genial general of the First Norfolk Dialect Volunteers is leading his troops into hostile territory.

Yes Keith Skipper, stalwart defender of Nelson's County, is crossing the River Waveney for a skirmish into Suffolk - but armed with nothing more dangerous than a magazine full of squit and wit.

Backed by a platoon of performers he will visit the Marina Theatre at Lowestoft on Sunday June 1 to fire off a barrage of banter against the host county.

But the title of the show We Come In Peace shows that the insurgents are just out for a bit of fun - which will also be poked at Norfolk too.

Mr Skipper, from Cromer, said: 'Norfolk and Suffolk share a precious ability to laugh at themselves as well as at each other. That should make it real fun to pop over the border and put that theory to the test!'

Subjects covered were likely to include the prospect of Norfolk dumping its waste in Suffolk following the scrapping of the incinerator, and war of words over having a joint police force and the relative fortunes of football clubs - including a celebration of Lowestoft Town's success, as well as this year's disappointments for the Canaries and Tractor boys

Mr Skipper said local rivalry, such as between the two counties, was a good thing - provided it stayed good-humoured.

'We have the same thing up here between Cromer and Sheringham and I had it with my home village of Beeston when we hated Longham at cricket and Litcham at football.

Joining Keith Skipper in his cross-border raid are: 'sit down' comic Colin Burleigh, Norfolk Nut Pat Nearney, Norfolk Fairy Sheilah Olley, singer Danny Platton, and special guest folk vocalist and melodeon player Ian Prettyman, imported from Suffolk to help as cultural ambassador and with translations.

We Come in Peace is at the Lowestoft Marina Centre on June 1 at 2.15pm. Tickets £10 and information from 01502 533200

or at www.marinatheatre.co.uk

?Whichever side of the Waveney your live why is your county the best? Write to EDPLetters@archant.co.uk