ATHLETES will be bidding for glory in Beccles this weekend as the town celebrates the one-year countdown to the London 2012 Olympics.

The event on Sunday is one of dozens taking place across Suffolk.

Business partners Christine Pinsent and Kate Lee are behind the event in Beccles which includes a Chariots of Fire challenge, a triathlon and a Great British Market.

The Chariots of Fire race will see competitors challenged to run around New Market while the clock strikes noon with serious runners followed by fun runners.

Among the teams already entered are V C Cooke, Beccles Caxton FC, Beccles Town Council 'Dream Team' and Beccles Lido Lifeguards. Waveney MP Peter Aldous has also confirmed his entry in the race.

Beccles Lido will host the triathlon which will consist of running two laps of the Chariots of Fire race and cycling a planned route in Beccles via the quay before proceeding to the lido to complete two lengths at the pool.

This will be followed by a display of synchronised swimming, a puppet theatre and a diving competition, finishing with fun on the 'famous' inflatable.

The lido will also be providing music and entertainment for the children, plus the toddlers' pool which will be used for a display of model power boats.

The Co-op will be sponsoring a barbecue at the lido during the afternoon.

The Great British Market will be on all day with crafts, food, drink and local produce and there will also be music from The River Hundred Folk group to add to the atmosphere.

It will be a day to come out and support not only local Olympians and runners, but also superb local producers and craftspeople and see what the region is proud of producing and achieving.