Almost an acre of council-owned land is to be handed to one of Norfolk's oldest cricket clubs for a "nominal sum" - to help young cricketers develop their skills in the sport.

Norfolk County Council put several old school buildings on the former Fakenham Grammar School site up for sale in the autumn, but held back some of the land.

And the Conservative-controlled cabinet at County Hall has agreed to transfer that plot, known as the Marl Pit, to Fakenham Cricket Club.

Eastern Daily Press: The former Fakenham Grammar School siteThe former Fakenham Grammar School site (Image: Google Maps)

The club officially formed in 1883, but traces its origins back to 1815, when a combined Fakenham, Hempton and Walsingham cricket team were all out for nil against the combined villages of Brisley, Dunham and Litcham.

The club owns adjacent land and intends to use the Marl Pit area to develop younger players.

Eastern Daily Press: Martin TurnerMartin Turner (Image: Archant)

Martin Turner, club chairman said: "We are looking forward to the land transfer when it hopefully happens in the new year.

"The club is looking to use the land to develop a safe playing area for young cricketers away from hardball cricket.

"The club's goals are to provide cricket for all in the local community and surrounding area, so this will help us to achieve some of those aims."

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Eastern Daily Press: Jane James, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for corporate services and innovation Jane James, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for corporate services and innovation (Image: Jane James)

Jane James, the council's cabinet member for corporate services and innovation, said: "I’m pleased this little parcel of land is set to remain in community and recreational use and will help Fakenham Cricket Club to further develop their offer for younger players.

"We keep all our assets under regular review to ensure we’re getting best value and use from each site.

"Where land or buildings are no longer needed for the services we deliver we will look to dispose of property - which can see sites finding a range of new uses, such as a transfer for use by other public sector partners, or for housing with care, or re-development to support jobs and growth."

Fakenham College used to be based on the Highfield Road site, but merged with Fakenham Academy and relocated to Field Lane in 2017.

Part of the site remains in educational use - the 100-place special educational needs school the Duke of Lancaster Academy opened there in 2022.