Organisers of a week-long bonanza of activities designed to get townsfolk fit and healthy have vowed this year's festival is going to be bigger and better.

Riding high on the success of Fakenham's recent Showcase Fun Day and Shopkeepers' Olympics, the team behind Active Fakenham have started to reveal plans for their flagship event, Active Fakenham Week in August.

Held for the first time last year, the initiative is aimed at promoting health and wellbeing across the town with free sports clubs taster sessions, dance classes, creative writing workshops and health checks, culminating in a 50-mile bike ride.

Richard Crook, coordinator of Active Fakenham, said this year's summer festival was already starting to gain momentum.

On the opening day, August 16, there will be a free family fun run, giving people of all abilities the rare chance to run, walk or jog around Fakenham Racecourse's racing track.

There will also be an eight-mile walk led by Fakenham Ramblers, a theatre production of Romeo orJuliet by the Keeper's Daughter and a workshop for teenagers.

Mr Crook, who is also a Fakenham town councillor, said: 'There's a lot of enthusiasm in the town about Active Fakenham Week. It's been tough times in Fakenham and this whole week is based around wellbeing and health; it's not just about sport.

'Going to the theatre is a wellbeing activity - it's about mental health as well as physical health; getting people out of the house and having a bit of fun.'

Mr Crook added: 'There is a wellbeing and social value and an economic and financial value - getting more visitors into the town. It's fun for local people and brings in visitors and tourists.'

Active Fakenham last year received county-wide recognition for helping to boost activity in the town, winning a runner-up prize at the Norfolk Sports Awards.

To help raise the profile of the group's Active Fakenham Week, the opening race at ladies race day at Fakenham Racecourse on June 1 will be named The Active Fakenham Week 16-24 August Maiden Hurdle Race.

David Hunter, chief executive and clerk at the racecourse, said: 'As a major sporting venue in Fakenham, I thought it was appropriate to be involved as much as possible and to make people aware of Active Fakenham Week. I'm delighted we can do that.'

Last month, Fakenham's town centre became a hive of activities as traders did battle for the Brenda Coldrick Cup in the inaugural Shopkeepers' Olympics.

The day doubled up as a showcase day where participants could try their hand at different activities, ranging from zumba and Irish dancing to rugby, table tennis and softball.

Anyone who has any ideas or wants to be involved in Active Fakenham Week should email richard@activefakenham.org.uk.

Are you helping to boost healthy living in your town? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.