Amateurs and professional runners will be taking to Dereham's streets for the town's annual 5k race and fun run.

About 250 people are expected to take part in the event this Sunday (July 22), which is due to start at 9.15am from the recreation ground.

The race will also mark the end of Breckland's Olympic torch relay, which started on June 17, from Dereham.

Incorporated in this year's 5k race, which loops twice around the town centre, will be the Norfolk 5k County Championships.

Roads, including London Road, Station Road, Matsell Way, High Street, Norwich Street and Red Lion Street will be closed from 9am until 10am while the race is in progress.

Breckland cabinet member Lynda Turner, said: 'Many of the runners are running for the first time and I really hope people will turn out to show their support at this year's event. The encouragement from the crowd is what really keeps people going.'

Race organiser Todd Lake, said; 'After the brilliant turn out last year, it's great to be asked to incorporate the county championships into this year's race and we hope it will encourage more runners to take part.'

The deadline for online entries via www.derehamrunners.co.uk is this Thursday.

Runners of all levels can enter but you must be able to complete the 3.1 mile distance in 40 minutes due to the road closures and be aged 14 or over.

It will cost �6.50 for affiliated runners and �8.50 for unaffiliated runners and any unsold spaces will be available on the day between 7.15am and 8.45am.

The Fun Run, which is open to people of all ages and free to enter, will be held immediately after the 5K event at 10.30am.

Under 14s must be accompanied or have consent signed by an adult at the race registration tent.