Shops in a Norfolk town will be getting into the festive spirit by extending their opening hours ahead of Christmas. 

Businesses across Fakenham will be open for longer ahead of Christmas in a bid to encourage more people to the town. 

The announcement comes after 15 businesses came together to brainstorm how they could improve Fakenham's footfall on a regular basis.

With many in support of change, a new initiative called Shop Fakenham was also launched to help revive the town's local economy. 

November 28 will also be the launch date of this year's Christmas Tree Festival.November 28 will also be the launch date of this year's Christmas Tree Festival. (Image: Harry Rutter) READ MORE: Bid for Wells-next-the-Sea spot to become a funeral business

Melanie Harriss, one of the coordinators of the group, said the initiative was "the start of something new."

She said: "It's about all the retailers coming together and sharing ideas about getting people to experience the best of the town.

"It feels like the start of something new and there's a lot of positivity for what we can achieve.

"To see a wave of new events across Fakenham would be fantastic."

To get the ball rolling, a number of traders, including Venetia's Yarn Shop, Roots, Upper Market Upholstery, the Extraordinary Hat Company, Secrets, Claire Howard Jewellery and Undefined Hair Space, have decided to extent their opening hours every Thursday to 8pm from November 28. 

The longer hours, which will coincide with the opening day of the town's 24th Christmas Tree Festival, will run for four weeks.

Claire Howard, who is also helping coordinate the group, said: "These evenings will give shoppers a relaxed way to explore Fakenham's shops, grab a bite at local cafés and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Claire Howard is looking forward to seeing how the town's business can come together to improve the local economy.Claire Howard is looking forward to seeing how the town's business can come together to improve the local economy. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Fakenham plumbers merchant launches revamped showroom

"And the Christmas hours decision is just the start. We have some great plans to encourage people to enjoy Fakenham and all it has to offer.

"We're a group of local shopkeepers and small business owners who are really passionate about the high street and how wonderful it is." 

Free parking will also be available at the Aldiss car park after 6pm.