Academy students are working with the Downham Games to promote the event to young people.

A video has been produced and will be shown in school assemblies to tell everyone what the event is all about and why they should go along.

Previously, organisers found 12 - 17-year-olds hard to reach, with few entering the event.

Led by head of house Nadine Taylor, the academy initiative has boosted numbers with more than 50 students coming along last year.

Mrs Taylor hopes more will get involved in this year's event, which is being held on Sunday, June 11.

Youngsters are being encouraged to enter the athletics competition. As well as competing for age/gender trophies they are also competing to gain points for an in-house academy trophy. Students will also be volunteering at the games and supporting with other events.

The athletics costs £1 for any young person up to the age of 16 years to enter and £2 for 17 years plus. It involves two jumps, two throws and two runs.

Frances Rayner, one of the organiers, said: 'One of the themes of this years event is this girl can and it will be one of the first events in This Girl Can Norfolk month which is running throughout June.

'Fewer Women and girls have traditionally turned out to take part in the games than men and boys so we have been campaigning to promote activities specifically to this theme which we hope will encourage a growth in numbers.'

A special This Girl Can competition will be running throughout the day which involves all women and girls from the age of 12 years. Anyone wanting to take part must register and will take part in five activities, three of which have been chosen for them – athletics, archery and jazzercise.

There are also two free choices from the many activities taking place between 11 and 1pm.

Everyone who completes their card and returns it will go into a draw for £100 of vouchers donated by Arbuckles diner who are one of the event's sponsors.

Jazzercise will take place at 12.45pm and is a 40 minute session where it is hoped to become the biggest out door jazzercise event in Norfolk.

The Downham Games are being held on the Memorial Playing Field, off Lynn Road, on Sunday, June 11 (10.20am - 2.30pm).