The Easter getaway is set to begin in earnest as thousands of people across Norfolk head off for the long weekend.

Some 1.5 million people nationwide are expected to be heading abroad this Easter, with 1,600 passengers flying from Norwich and 100,000 from Stansted airport.

Top destinations from Norwich airport include Turkey, Amsterdam and Manchester with the Turkey flights said to be full.

Meanwhile, train passengers face a mixed weekend of travelling.

The Greater Anglia Norwich to London Liverpool Street will be greatly unaffected by alterations tomorrow and Saturday, but engineering works will take place on Sunday and Monday. Bus replacement services will be in place.

Norwich City fans heading to the Tottenham Hotspur match will benefit from a special service via Cambridge on Easter Monday.

Meanwhile, motoring groups have predicted a quieter than usual Easter weekend on the roads in the wake of record fuel costs and bleak weather.

At a reported average of 141.79 pence per litre, petrol is said to be five per cent more expensive than last Easter and 21 per cent more expensive than Easter 2010.

Diesel is said to be four per cent more expensive than last year at 147.71 pence per litre and 26 per cent more expensive than Easter 2010.

Delays are still expected around some traditional 'hot spots', including Elveden on the A11, and motorists are still being warned to plan ahead for their journeys.

Kevin Andrews, from the RAC, based in Norwich, said: 'Although the high cost of fuel is likely to put many off travelling this Easter, it's still important for people to plan their journeys before setting off to avoid getting lost and wasting precious fuel.

'Allow plenty of time for your journey, particularly if you're heading for a popular resort or travelling at peak times.' And while some parts of the country have seen snow this week, the white stuff is not expected to reach Norwich or Norfolk.

Chris Bell, from Weatherquest, based at the University of East Anglia, said the weather was likely to be cloudy with patchy rain over the Easter weekend.

'It's going to be generally cloudy and quite a bit cooler than what we've got used to in the last couple of weeks,' said Mr Bell.

'Temperatures are going to be around 10 to 13 degrees Celsius, which is around average and there will be light and patchy rain at times.'

Don't miss our Going Out guide in tomorrow's Evening News for all the latest Easter events and activities.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.