It is an 'undercover' operation taking place amidst the tall grass and sprouting hedges.

Now with the spring growth spurting ahead Cromer's guerrilla gardeners will be out in force to neaten the town's untidy edges. Set up last year by Nigel Barrett and Shane Scarff, the team are set to be back in action targeting areas in need of a make over. Mayor Tim Adams labelled the pair guerrilla gardeners, after the popular movement to re-green neglected public spaces.

Their efforts have received widespread support with a crowd funding scheme helping contribute towards the cost of buying gardening equipment.

Now North Norfolk District Council is pledging cash to the cause with a £250 donation.

The money will be used to repaint the posts at The Meadow playing field with any money left over spent on projects and improvements elsewhere.

Mr Barrett said: 'More supporters are willing to volunteer as other like-minded people want to achieve these improvements for benefit of residents and visitors. A lot more organisations are now involved and hopefully this year we have good chance to build on the work that has been done.'

He added: 'The local authorities are under severe financial constraint so what we can do really makes a difference. I moved into Cromer seventeen years ago and just want to show my appreciation for being accepted into the community.'

Cromer mayor Tim Adams said: 'The work done by people like Nigel and Shane is extremely valuable and I applaud their efforts. We have so many volunteers in Cromer who make a key contribution to the town.'

Meanwhile, the town council has been given a budget of just over £8,000 to take on responsibility for verge cutting from Norfolk County Council.

Town clerk Julie Chance said: 'No money has been added to the precept but we will get seven cuts a year. Norfolk County Council only cut the verges three times a year so we are getting good value for money with a local contractor.'

Anyone interested in joining the guerrilla gardeners should call Mr Barrett on 07411042637.