A bid to put the brakes on boy racers in a market town has been hailed a success after the number of complaints tumbled by two thirds within just one month.

Dereham police launched Operation Handbrake to tackle the sharp increase in complaints about vehicles being driven in a careless and noisy manner in the town.

During July, officers had received 23 complaints from members of the public of drivers revving their engines, playing loud music, speeding and performing 'doughnuts' – a manoeuvre which entails spinning the car continuously to leave a circular skid-mark pattern of rubber on the road.

There were said to be up to 20 cars congregating on the Aldi and Tesco car parks on a given evening.

Since the police operation began at the start of August, however, the number of complaints has reduced to just seven.

Chief Inspector Ady Porter said it was a 'great' example of police responding to concerns in the community – but there was more work to be done to educate young motorists.

He said: 'If the community has said they have got a concern and we have responded and there's a positive outcome then I'm happy about that.

'I think it's something we will always have to revisit as young people get their licences and we will always have issues of that sort.

'But it's not all about punishing young drivers though, we also want to take the opportunity to speak to them, offer them advice and educate them about driving and road safety.

'As such we are inviting young drivers to a free track day, which we hope will provide a fantastic engagement opportunity.'

Over the month, officers seized three vehicles and issued 11 warning notices.

The track day will be held at Snetterton Race Circuit on Sunday, October 6.