Traders are hoping a seaside resort's rich history will help get the tills ringing.

A new heritage trail has been launched in Sheringham to allow people to discover more about the town's fascinating past.

The trail, which is aimed at families and children, uses a route following some of Sheringham's blue plaques.

It includes the location of the first bomb dropped in Britain during the First World War at Whitehall Yard and the site of Arcade Lawn, an open air theatre during the Edwardian era.

The trail has been created by Sheringham Chamber of Trade and Commerce in partnership with Sheringham and District Society.

The aim is to increase footfall in quieter shopping areas of the town centre.

Sheringham and District Society chairman Peter Strudwick said: 'We are working with the chamber of trade who wanted to promote parts of the town such as Church Street, which do not get as much footfall.

'The trail ends at the museum, and on the way walkers go into various shops to get it stamped.

'Children will be given gifts at the museum and there will be a draw to win £100.'

Sheringham Chamber of Trade and Commerce secretary Andy Bullen said: 'The whole idea is for children and young people to follow the trail with their parents.

It is using 12 of the town's existing 30 blue plaques and will be educational for people living here too.'

The trail will be running from Easter through to the end of October and can be followed using a smartphone app. The route starts at the North Norfolk Railway and end at the Mo Museum on the seafront.

The launch of the trail comes at the Sheringham gets set to become an internet hot spot with the switch-on of a free wi-fi zone across the town centre.

Sheringham mayor David Gooch said: 'It is another string in our bow for visitors. 'People like to have things to do and don't just want to sit on the beach.

'They can learn about the history of Sheringham and hopefully have an enjoyable time.'

The trail was described as a 'fantastic idea' by Sheringham's Mo Museum chairman Tim Groves.

'This can involve the whole community who are quite passionate about Sheringham's heritage,' he said.

'QR codes have been placed on the plaques linked to other information on websites, which ties in very well with the wi-fi zone which will be available in the town.'