A group of local volunteers has already met with Inspector David Rust, the police officer responsible for the initiative throughout Norfolk, hoping to set up a regular team.

There are already 15 schemes in place around the county involving some 180 people, with 11 more applications in the pipeline.

A minimum of six volunteers is needed to start up a speed watch group, a number which the police say soon increases when members of the community find out about it.

The team is issued with a radar gun, two speed watch signs, four reflective jackets and a paperwork pack. At least three people are needed to go out on the roadside and checks are only made on roads where the speed limits are 30 or 40mph.

Vehicles logged by radar exceeding the speed limit are reported to the local Safer Neighbourhood Team who send a letter to the owner pointing out their indiscretion. No further action is taken at this point.

However, should the vehicle be spotted a second time, another letter is sent warning of sterner action which could include a £60 fine.

Organisation of the scheme will be through Fakenham Area Partnership at its desk in the Fakenham Connect offices. The town council has already shown its support for the idea.

After training for the volunteers, it is hoped to start the project this summer.