A team of musicians are hoping to a snare a world record when they attempt a non-stop drumming marathon this month.

As reported, Dereham's JDT Music Academy wants to reclaim the Guinness World Record for the longest drumming marathon by a team.

They will need to drum together for more than 66 hours to claim back the title they have held twice before, and are ambitiously aiming for 72 hours.

The group, made up of Janel Spalding, Aaron Houseago, Holly Jones, Micky Stoker, Ryan Mylum, Oscar Milnes, Ryan Murray and Toby Ellis, will have to play in unison for the duration of the attempt - and at least three members of the team must complete it.

In preparation of the challenge, the team has taken part in three all-night training sessions to get used to the sleep deprivation that they are likely to experience during the attempt.

And some 80 volunteers have come forward as timekeepers and witnesses, as required by Guinness World Records. Their record bid will take place from 10am on Friday, August 28 to 10am on Monday, August 31. It is being held to raise funds to help the music school move from its premises at Rashes Green Industrial Estate and for Dereham's Christmas lights.

Organisers hope as many people as possible will go along and get involved throughout the bank holiday weekend.

Nia Howe, a partner at JDT Music Academy, said: 'We want to encourage people to come along and get involved. From the Friday to the Saturday, we are running a sponsored 24-hour drum marathon in addition to the record bid. Anyone can join in for 30 minutes to 24 hours. There's a sign up fee of £10 which will include a MadAsADrummer T-shirt and pair of drumsticks.

'We're also having themed nights- Friday night is onesie night, Saturday is fancy dress and Sunday we'll be having an Alice In Wonderland mad hatters' party.

'We'll be holding a breakfast barbecue for when the team finishes on Monday. People are free to visit our drummers any time of the night or day- we'll have refreshments available throughout, and ear plugs of course.'

Former Dereham Times editor Ian Clarke and Dereham Town Clerk Tony Needham will be chief witnesses for the weekend and it is hoped local groups or performers will be able to provide some entertainment during the evenings.

Miss Howe added: 'We have been bowled over by the amount of support we've received for the event, including consultations for each of the drummers with osteopath Cameron Reid, and donations from Logic Red Web Design, Nik Hill Photography, CC Wells, Greentree Caravans, Hollywood Cinema in Dereham, Morrisons, Tesco and Mid Norfolk Railway to name but a few.'

To donate or take part in the sponsored 24-hour drum marathon, go to www.madasadrummer.com.

The record bid will be live streamed on the website.

Are you trying to break world record? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk