Workers across Norfolk have been getting into the competitive spirit as they push the pedals as part of a Tour of Britain-inspired challenge.

Eight businesses are taking part in Active Norfolk's Wattbike on Tour.

The weekly contest sees employees take it in turns to cycle a set distance to make up the full 901 miles of the professional road race.

Fifty members of staff at Broadland District Council were the first to take on the challenge, completing 300 kilometres.

And yesterday saw workers at chocolate makers Kinnerton in Fakenham take to the saddle. The team of 32 completed 182km.

Katie Tierney, Fit4Work project officer for Active Norfolk, said: 'Providing opportunities for staff to be active is great for team morale and reducing stress.

'Evidence shows that an active workforce is good for business, and we are delighted that these businesses have got on board with this challenge and are helping us to welcome the Tour back to Norfolk.'

Other businesses taking part in the coming weeks are Circle Housing, Jones Lang LaSalle, Banham Poultry, Arnold Keys LLP, Lotus Cars and South Norfolk Council.

Each of the organisations are based in the districts which will welcome the Tour when it returns to the region on September 12.

Setting off from Fakenham, the Norfolk and Suffolk leg will see the colourful peloton of riders whizz through Reepham, Aylsham, Norwich, Wymondham, Attleborough and Thetford. The 225km stage – the penultimate one of the eight-stage tour – will finish in Ipswich.

Organisers this week revealed a stellar line up of riders, including London Olympics 2012 hero Sir Bradley Wiggins and his new team.

Said to be the Tour's best line-up yet, the Aviva-sponsored event will feature nine UCI WorldTeams, including Team Sky, Cannondale Garmin and Etixx Quick-Step, the team of Mark Cavendish. The other six WorldTeams are BMC Racing, IAM Cycling, Lotto Soudal, Movistar Team, Team Lotto NL Jumbo and Tinkoff-Saxo.

Are you helping to celebrate the Tour's return to Norfolk? Email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.