Heacham has thrown down the gauntlet to challenge its neighbour in the annual village games.

For six years the Docking team has triumphed in the West Norfolk Village Games but the residents of Heacham are being urged to rally to the cause.

The village games challenges small and medium-sized villages to go head to head in a range of sporting events. This year there are 19 sports on offer including football, mini-soccer, netball, bowls and badminton. Archery and rounders are new to the games this year.

The winners and runners-up of the West Norfolk heat, to be held at Lynnsport on Sunday, June 26, will go through to the final, at the UEA Sportspark, Norwich, in September.

Roger Partridge, West Norfolk council's sports development officer, said: 'Docking has been a real inspiration over the years. They, like so many regular entrants, have dedicated local co-ordinators who rally the village to put forward strong teams and have fun.'

Contact Heacham Parish Council for details on how to be part of team Heacham. The village entry must be in by Friday, May 27.