A Fakenham man is aiming to build on his town's proud cycling history when he holds a new festival next month.

About 150 years ago engineer John Garrood invented tubular metal forks and made grips for pedals at his cycle works in Wells Road, Fakenham.

These are still used today to make cycling easier and more efficient.

Mr Garrood is commemorated on the Fakenham town sign by a penny farthing cycle.

Richard Crook, who lives on Wells Road, is organising the Fakenham 50 cycling festival.

It will be on August 25 and will encourage people to get on their bikes for a sociable ride around the Fakenham countryside.

Mr Crook said: 'Fakenham has a great history of cycling and is situated in some of the best gentle cycling routes in the country.

'The route is ideal for novice and accomplished riders.'

The route goes through picturesque villages, meandering along country lanes, past streams, fords and meadows.

Mr Crook is organising the festival with Fakenham cycle group East Coast Riders and Trevor Brown, who runs the mountain bike team Thirteen3.

It is hoped the festival will be run annually.

There are three rides – 50k (32 miles), 20k (12.5 miles) and repeat circuits of 100k or 70k.

Technical support, personal liability insurance and a rescue service will be provided.

Music and activities will be from 2pm to 6pm at Fakenham Community Centre where the ride starts and finishes.

Register for the festival at www.activefakenham.org, at Sweets 'n' Things, Oak Street, Fakenham or call 07887 803091.