A popular fair honouring a Norfolk family and a four legged creature which has long inspired artists is set to make a welcome return.

Fakenham & Wells Times: St Mary's Church. Pictrue: Peter CookSt Mary's Church. Pictrue: Peter Cook (Image: Archant)

This weekend will see Docking, near Fakenham, transform into hive of activity as the village’s annual Hare Fair returns for a seventh year.

Named in honour of the Hare family who have had a presence in Docking for hundreds of years and the animal which can be found in abundance in the countryside around the village. This year’s Hare Fair will feature a treasure hunt, an arts and craft market, traditional village fete stalls, games, live music and a BBQ.

From 10am on Saturday, September 22, St Mary’s Church and the Lady Chapel will be converted into a market place with local artists and setting up stalls in the aisles selling handmade fabrics, jewellery, wooden goods, paintings and metalwork.

Outside, the churchyard will be the setting for a ‘hare course’- a treasure hunt featuring paintings of hares by pupils at Docking Primary School.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The Docking Hare Fair. Picture: Peter Cook.The Docking Hare Fair. Picture: Peter Cook. (Image: Archant)

There will also be live music, a raffle, book and plant stalls run by the church and games organised by the Docking cub and scout group.

Throughout the day refreshments will be available in the form of teas, coffees and cakes as well as pre-prepared lunches and a BBQ.

Peter Cook, the Rector of Docking Church said: “The Hare family has been here for hundreds of years, and they have been very influential within the village during that time, it was members of the Hare family who funded the village school in the 1800s.”

Adding that over the six years the event has been running it has grown in popularity Mr Cook said: “Last year we had more than 1000 visitors. It’s a very nice atmosphere and a friendly event.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The Docking Hare Fair. Picture: Peter Cook.The Docking Hare Fair. Picture: Peter Cook. (Image: Archant)

“What we have always tried to do is ensure that the arts and crafts are really top quality and people have always commented in the standard of the artists.

“All in all the Docking Hare Fair is a great trip out for all the family to enjoy” he said.

Docking Hare Fair will take place from 10am-4pm, entry to the event is free.