Slithering superstars will take over a market town for one of Norfolk's slowest and slimiest showdowns. 

The Great Aylsham Snail race takes place on Saturday, August 3, at the Food and Craft Market just outside the town hall.

It will see live snails compete for the coveted prize of... a pot of lettuce.

This quirky contest, organised by Slow Food Aylsham - whose logo fittingly features a snail - is open to young and old.

It is the second year of the competition - which was inspired by the World Snail Racing Championships which are held annually in Congham, near King's Lynn.

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Patrick Prekopp, the food group’s chairman, said: "It's all fun and it is primarily aimed at children. It's supposed to get them out into their gardens, looking around for wildlife."

The snails will race on a special tablecloth over a distance of 13 inches, with the event overseen by the Snail Master, who will ensure fair play and keep the course well-watered for optimum snail speed. 

Entry to the open race is free, while local traders can participate in the business challenge for a £10 sponsorship fee per snail, with all proceeds going to the North Norfolk Food Bank charity. 

Children can bring their own snails to participate but must register beforehand. Entrants are advised to collect snails from a garden or hedgerow about a week before the race. 

They are also encouraged to give their snails appropriate names like Speedy or Flash.

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The winner of each category gets a handsome pot filled with a quality lettuce and the honour of being Aylsham’s Great Snail Race 2024 winners.

Last year’s victors were Leaf Cruncher, in the first race, owned and trained by five-year-old Niamh Pulford, and Olivia in the second, belonging to Olivia Brett, aged four.

To register, email slowfoodaylsham@gmail.com with the name, age, and contact details of the entrant, as well as the name of their snail.