One is a garage mechanic, the other a self-employed painter and decorator, and the community-minded pair have teamed up to write a book about the history of Thorpe St Andrew's road names.

Dale Wiseman, 52, became a decorator after leaving school at the age of 15, but he is now doing a part-time history degree at the University of East Anglia.

He met mechanic Roger Pointer, 53, at the recently-revived Thorpe History Group and they decided to compile a book detailing the stories behind the town's road names.

It features sections on how the roads at the Dussindale estate were controversially chosen, information about two of Thorpe's prominent families – the Harveys and the Castons – as well as a look at manufacturer Boulton and Paul's links to the area.

There are about four or five streets which the pair could not find any information about, but they hope people in the community will continue to contact them with information, so they can update the book in the future.

Mr Wiseman, of Acacia Road, said: 'It's been a great experience and we have learnt a lot.

'The nice thing will be as we move forward and getting people discussing the name and their history.

'No doubt people will agree or disagree with some of the explanations or add more information.'

And the father-of-two is hoping his day job may come in handy as he is hoping to get the chance to repaint and restore the town's 12 road signs, which date back to 1939.

Copies of the book, which costs £6, can be bought from Thunder Lane Post Office, Thorpe St Andrew Town Council offices in Pound Lane, Dussindale, and the City Bookshop in Davey Place, in Norwich city centre.

Do you have a story about Thorpe St Andrew? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772474.