A campaign to make our nation a kinder place is being set up to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Eastern Daily Press: Floral tributes in memory of Princess Diana on the Norwich Gates at Sandringham after her death. Picture: Josh WilliamsFloral tributes in memory of Princess Diana on the Norwich Gates at Sandringham after her death. Picture: Josh Williams (Image: Archant � 2007)

The drive, set up in memory of the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry's mother by the Diana Award, aims to inspire 20,000 acts of kindness throughout 2017.

The Princess, who was born at Sandringham, died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997 when William was 15 and Harry was 12.

Eastern Daily Press: Diana, Princess of Wales, went to a private school in King's Lynn. Picture: John Stillwell/PADiana, Princess of Wales, went to a private school in King's Lynn. Picture: John Stillwell/PA (Image: Archant)

The royal brothers are commemorating the anniversary by commissioning a statue of their mother which will stand in the public gardens of her former home Kensington Palace in London.

Research by the Diana Award found that just over half of us had experienced a random act of kindness by a stranger over the last year.

Eastern Daily Press: Diana visits Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: Archant libraryDiana visits Sheringham, in 1988. Picture: Archant library

Some 34pc were given a compliment, 20pc have been given directions and 10pc received an offer to pay for their food or drink.

Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award, said: 'It's heartening to see that as a nation we're kind and caring, but these new statistics also highlight there's much more we can do to make us even kinder.

Eastern Daily Press: The Princess visits Norwich, in November 1990. Picture: Archant LibraryThe Princess visits Norwich, in November 1990. Picture: Archant Library

'That's why we're kick-starting a campaign of kindness on National Kindness Day in memory of Princess Diana.

'We're encouraging everyone to do something kind for someone else and let us know about it.'

Eastern Daily Press: A young Lady Diana Spencer pictured in 1972 with a pet guinea pig at Sandringham, aged 11. Picture: John Hocknell,A young Lady Diana Spencer pictured in 1972 with a pet guinea pig at Sandringham, aged 11. Picture: John Hocknell,

She added: 'Diana, Princess of Wales is fondly remembered for her values of compassion, kindness and service to others, irrespective of their background.

'This is why this year, as we mark the 20th anniversary of her death, we are putting a huge emphasis on kindness as a core value that underpins society.'

The Diana Award is working in partnership with makers of the CBeebies animation show The Clangers to promote kindness among youngsters on its third National Kindness Day.

It is encouraging people to log their good deeds via its Kindness Count here.