Historic rivalry between Suffolk and Norfolk intensified today with news that the neighbouring East Anglian counties are separated by tectonic plates.

Geologists have discovered the plates stretching nearly 70 miles along the Suffolk-Norfolk border, from Brandon in the west to Beccles and Bungay in the east.

And they admit the extraordinary discovery might even explain the fierce football rivalry between Norwich City and their more illustrious and trophy-winning rivals Ipswich Town.

While it has always been accepted that the earth is composed of seven or eight major plates forming the continents, new surveying techniques are allowing geologists to uncover a number of minor plates all over the world.

“This is an interesting but not wholly unexpected discovery,” explained Professor Ian Pickett of UEA in Norwich. “This may be a small plate relative to the largest continents, but it is an important development in our understanding of the geology of England and East Anglia.

“And to have it quite literally on our doorstep is very fortunate for geologists like me.”

Professor Pickett believes the plates and the county border are exactly aligned and that Norfolk used to be what geologists term as a “mini isolated continent”.

Inbreeding

Experts say this would explain why traditionally the county is known for its backward thinking and inbreeding.

And the football rivalry could certainly be fuelled by these unseen underground forces.

“Absolutely,” Professor Pickett said. “Although not in my case as I support Charlton Athletic. But perhaps it’s no coincidence that the north folk of Norfolk and the south folk of Suffolk drew the county line where it is back in the 5th century.

“Don’t underestimate our forebears – the Angles would probably have had knowledge of the once great natural divide.”

But sports fan David Peters, 49, from Beccles dismissed the idea that this has anything do to with football allegiance.

“It’s a load of rubbish. I’m Suffolk born and bred but have always supported Norwich. It’s a lot closer to me than Ipswich and the wife does the shopping there.”

Meanwhile Janice Davey, of Bungay was more open to the idea. The 45-year-old said: “I’ve been a Town fan all of my life. I might live nearer Norwich but as a Suffolk girl I feel loyalty to the county town of Ipswich.

“Norwich might be in the Premier League now while Ipswich are down in the Championship – but form is temporary, class is permanent.”

Fears that the recently-found tectonic plates could cause earthquakes were allayed by locals. Doris Dawkins, 86, from Beccles, who lives with her long-suffering husband Fred, said nothing like that had ever happened.

“Certainly the earth hasn’t moved in my house for years,” she laughed.

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By Suffolk Gazette Staff

A bell-ringer was sensationally sacked after ringing out the Star Wars theme from his village church just before a service.

Steven Jacobs, 27, and a pal played the Imperial March from the bell tower at St Gregory’s Church in Bildeston on Tuesday – but locals failed to see the funny side when the imposing tune rang across the village, and complained to the vicar.

The Rev Evan Elpuss, although a Star Wars fan himself, was furious because churchgoers were due to arrive at any moment.

Mr Jacobs, who has seen the latest Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, 13 times already, said: “We thought we’d do it for a laugh before everyone turned up. It sounded awesome – the lunchtime drinkers in the nearby Crown pub said they loved it – but the next thing I know I’ve been sacked.

“I’ve been part of the bell-ringing group at Bildeston for 15 years, and am very upset. The church has gone completely over the top.”

The Imperial March, composed by John Williams, is more associated with the first Star Wars trilogy and is the theme used to accompany Darth Vader and his evil dark side associates.

Mr Jacobs, who works as a carpenter in nearby Hitcham, said that dark side links may have been why the vicar sacked him.

But a source close to the church told the Suffolk Gazette Mr Jacobs had “deliberately distorted events”.

“We appreciate that Steven is a bit of a joker,” he said. “But there comes a point when you have to draw a line.

“The Darth Vader’s Imperial March is not an appropriate rallying call for a funeral, and Steven knows it. He might think the family didn’t notice but believe me they did – we all did. The bells could be heard for miles around.”

By Suffolk Gazette Staff

Fungus the Bogeyman was inspired by the gruesome characteristics and filthy manners of men from Norfolk, the Suffolk Gazette can reveal.

The much-loved children’s story, which features an ugly creature with a weird-shaped head, big ears and terrible teeth, is now starring in a hit television series.

But how the green monster, which farts regularly and dribbles snot, came to be created by British artist Raymond Briggs has remained a mystery… until now.

We can reveal that Mr Briggs’ 1970s book came about soon after he took a boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads and got to see some of the locals close-up.

A pal claimed: “The men in Norfolk are sort of freakish-looking and they pass wind endlessly. Mr Briggs created Fungus the Bogeyman soon after his trip to Norfolk, and we believe the men he met there were the inspiration.

“He has never admitted as much, but then again who would want to admit going to Norfolk in the first place?”

Mr Briggs also famously created The Snowman story about a snowman who flies through the air accompanied by pre-pubescent Welsh crooner, Aled Jones. It is not thought the Snowman was based on Norfolk, even though Norfolk men have noses like carrots.

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