A village has taken delivery of a new race clock to use at its sporting events as it aims to keep the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games alive.

Hethersett has a number of sporting events during the year, including the 30/60/90 cycle ride and an annual running event.

Previously it has had to hire a clock to record participants' times - but found last year that only one available was already booked up.

That prompted Hethersett district councillor David Bills to suggest the village get its own, with the proviso it rents it to neighbouring areas for their own sporting events.

Thanks to £1,375 of funding from South Norfolk Council, the clock has now been handed over to villagers - at the same time as a running group led by Norfolk Olympian Paul Evans got underway to prepare people for the Hethersett 'Run the Square' event on July 6.

Peter Steward, chairman of Hethersett and the Meltons' Sports Association, said it was part of keeping the legacy of the London 2012 Games alive - and ensuring residents benefit as a result.

'We are extremely grateful to South Norfolk Council for giving us the opportunity to have a digital race clock which can be used at so many events over the year and which can be hired out to various organisations,' he said.

'The village is really still continuing with the Olympic legacy. There seems to be a lot of cooling off in some areas. We are determined that in Hethersett, there will be no cooling off.

'We want to make sure that even throughout Rio, we continue with this legacy.'

He added that the new running group 'proved hugely successful and once again illustrated the wishes of so many people to enhance their fitness levels'.

Mr Steward said: 'It also illustrates that in Hethersett the Olympic Games legacy is alive and well.'

Mr Bills added: 'It is right that we keep it at the front of people's minds,' adding that it helps with residents health and well-being and that sporting activities help to keep the community together.

n How are you keeping the Olympic legacy alive in your area? Tell the Mercury by calling 01379 651153 or email dma.news@archant.co.uk