It is already a premier seaside resort – but now Sheringham is set to become an internet hot spot with the launch of free wi-fi across the town centre.

Shoppers and visitors will be able to benefit from the service which is set to go live by the end of February.

The connection will offer download speeds of 2Mbps, with Station Road, High Street and Promenade covered by the zone. The roll-out could be extended to cover neighbouring Church Street and St Peter's Road if the scheme proves a success.

Traders hope the move will boost sales in-store and online by giving shoppers – who use their smartphones while shopping on the high street – faster connection speeds. The £3,000 project is being spearheaded by digital specialist Jon Hayman with support from Sheringham Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Mr Hayman, who is business development manager at Sheringham-based PC Simple, said: 'The response from businesses has been absolutely fantastic, they are all supportive of the project. The connection will be faster than the 3G network and help to bring the town into the 21st century.

'Users will be able to sign in via Twitter, Facebook or email. We can then reach out to them on social media and it will give us the opportunity to advertise businesses in the town. It will keep people connected to Sheringham and bring them back.'

He added: 'Carnival Day and the 1940s weekend are two of the biggest events in the county. Now thousands of people will be able to instantly connect with the internet, tweeting and posting on Facebook, which is great publicity for the town.'

Businesses are being invited to sponsor the scheme and a few have offered wall space for wi-fi transmitters.

Sheringham Chamber of Trade and Commerce secretary Andy Bullen said: 'It is important that Sheringham moves with the times and is accessible to all our visitors. We realise wi-fi coverage is not good enough.'