Appeal for people to take part in the world record attempt at the longest conga on 12th March 2011. Practicing for the big day on Cromer Pier.; PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Cromer v Bournemouth may not be the most eye-catching fixture.

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But on March 12 the two seaside resorts will go head-to-head, separated by almost 200 miles, in a wacky world record attempt.

A host of people will line up in a bid to set the mark for the longest conga on a pier.

It will be a real David and Goliath contest, though. For Cromer’s population of 8,000 is more than 20 times smaller than Bournemouth’s 165,000.

Now, in an effort to ensure the contest is not too one-sided, the organisers at the north Norfolk end are urging the town’s residents to turn out in force and “beat Bournemouth”.

On Saturday, the recruitment drive was launched with a bone-chilling rehearsal as the wind whipped across the pier.

Young dancers from Marlene’s School of Dancing, plus some of their parents, did the conga in front of bemused visitors.

Ian Hall, general manager of Cromer pier, said: “We are very keen to beat our friends in Bournemouth and show them some real Norfolk spirit.

“We are of course a much smaller resort than Bournemouth so we are asking everyone to come and join in the fun.”

The event is part of British Tourism Week’s “party on the pier”, which is being supported by Cromer Pier.

The Victorian pier has something in common with Bournemouth pier, with both landmarks run by Openwide Coastal.

Mr hall added: “Marlene’s School of Dancing will be leading the dance and we are hoping that local schools and youth groups will also come along to help swell the numbers and of course Cromer residents and as many people from north Norfolk as possible.

“It would be really nice to think we could get at least 2,000 people on the pier all doing the conga. The record attempt will take place at 11am so we would hope to see as many people on the pier no later than 10.45am so that we can organise the conga lines and most importantly count the number of people taking part.”

Staff on the pier will be contacting Bournemouth to compare numbers and reporting back to the dancers on the pier.

As part of the event Cromer pier is inviting local charities to have a stall on the pier and take part in the fun.

Any one wishing to bring a stall should contact Mr Hall no later than March 9 on 01263 512281 or at IHall@thecromerpier.com.

Nationally, Party on the Pier will launch 2011 British Tourism Week and will spearhead more than 200 tourism events over the following seven days.

The event is designed to be a celebration of Britain’s piers and heritage, encouraging residents and tourists to visit and highlighting the importance of maintaining our piers, or restoring those that are in need of help.

● To see a video of the conga warm-up, visit www.edp24.co.uk.