They are known for bringing the sport of kings to the town, but the people who run Fakenham Racecourse are now preparing to get their hands dirty to support their community.

The directors and staff of the racecourse are giving up a day's work to litter pick in Fakenham town centre on Friday.

Fakenham Racecourse chief executive David Hunter said: 'We are very proud of the link we have with the town, we are passionate in our support and affection for Fakenham and we hate to see rubbish and filth deliberately dropped instead of being put in a bin or taken home.

'At our race meetings we have litter problems too, as many racegoers lose their sense of reason and civility and throw their betting slips and food and drink packaging onto the floor despite there being a plethora of bins on site.

'So I hope the litter picking on Friday will capture the imagination of residents and businesses alike and, hopefully, sow the seeds of guilt amongst those few who purposefully and destructively drop litter.'

Fakenham mayor Adrian Vertigan said: 'Sadly litter can blight our streets and it's really wonderful to see such an important employer and iconic attraction in our town giving back in such an original way.

'Fakenham Racecourse, along with its market, are what we are most renowned for in this town and it's great to see the team looking to make a difference and get their hands dirty to help sort this problem.'

Racecourse staff will meet at the racecourse at 9am on Friday.

They will work in pairs and walk as many streets, walkways and litter infested places as they can.

They will be recognised by their yellow Fakenham Racecourse tabards and all bagged rubbish will be disposed for free with generous support of Fakenham Skips.

The staff will be joined in their efforts on the day by the Fakenham Racecourse chairman Nigel Savory, Fakenham deputy mayor George Acheson and Fakenham town councillor Gilly Foorste.