The steps of the war memorial have also been decorated with more than a dozen troughs of flowers.

Organised by local community group Fakenham Area Partnership (FAP), all the floral arrangements have been supplied by local Trap Lane nurseryman Philip Howell.

The task of setting the baskets in place on their brackets was led by John Lingwood driving his tractor and trailer into awkward corners along the narrow streets and around the market square.

FAP co-ordinator Janet Holdom praised her team of helpers for their efficiency and looked forward to when the flowers take hold and thrive.

"When we started this initiative six years ago the baskets were not very good so the blooms struggled to survive even though they were watered most days.

"We now have heavy moulded plastic containers with reservoirs inside which means we can extend the time between watering.

"To begin with this is every four to five days and later on just once a week," she said.

Members of the Fakenham Area Conservation Team have taken on this task led by Geoff Fletcher and Robin Parker.

Mrs Holdom thanked all the businesses in town who had supported Fakenham in Bloom despite difficult times and put in a special word for the excellent co-operation she had received from Howell's Nurseries.